Provision record
Google · Google Privacy Policy · View original document ↗

Biometric and Audio Data Collection

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Document Record

What it is

The policy discloses that Google collects biometric information including fingerprints in product development studies, and that audio recordings including several seconds of audio prior to a voice activation command are collected when the Google Assistant detects a trigger phrase.

This analysis describes what Google's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology

ConductAtlas Analysis

Why it matters (compliance & governance perspective)

This provision identifies biometric and audio data as collected categories, including pre-activation audio recording, which is operationally significant for users of Google Assistant-enabled devices and for compliance assessment under state biometric privacy laws.

If You Do Nothing

Pre-activation audio recording will occur as described when Google Assistant-enabled devices detect a trigger phrase, unless the user disables voice activation features in device settings.

Cross-platform context

See how other platforms handle Biometric and Audio Data Collection and similar clauses.

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▸ View Original Clause Language DOCUMENT RECORD
"
Biometric information if you choose to provide it, such as fingerprints in Google's product development studies. Media (like images, files, audio and video) from your interactions. When your device detects an audio activation command, like "Hey Google," Google records your voice and audio plus a few seconds before the activation.

Excerpt from Google's Privacy Policy

ConductAtlas Analysis

Institutional analysis (regulatory & governance intelligence)

REGULATORY LANDSCAPE: Biometric data collection implicates the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA), which imposes consent, disclosure, and retention schedule requirements on entities collecting biometric identifiers.

Insight

Unlock the full institutional analysis

Enforcement risk, jurisdiction flags, contract triggers, and due diligence action items.

Applicable agencies

  • Federal Trade Commission (ftc)
    Oversees unfair or deceptive business practices and can investigate companies that mislead consumers about data collection, sharing, or use.
    Who can file: Anyone affected by the company's practices (US or international)
    What you need: Your account details, a timeline of relevant events, and a description of the specific issue
    What to expect: Complaints inform FTC enforcement priorities and investigations but do not result in individual resolution or compensation
    File a complaint →
  • State Attorney General
    State AGs in California, New York, Texas, and other states can investigate violations of state consumer protection and privacy laws, including CCPA (California), SHIELD Act (New York), and equivalents.
    Who can file: Residents of states with comprehensive privacy laws — primarily California, Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut, and Utah
    What you need: Evidence of the violation, explanation of how your state rights were affected, and your account or contact information with the company
    What to expect: Outcomes vary by state. May result in investigation, enforcement action, or requirement for the company to change practices. No direct individual compensation in most cases.

    Search "[your state] attorney general consumer complaint" to find your state's direct complaint form

Provision details

Document information
Document
Google Privacy Policy
Entity
Google
Document last updated
May 5, 2026
Tracking information
First tracked
July 30, 2026
Last verified
July 30, 2026
Record ID
CA-P-00015006
Document ID
CA-D-00015
Evidence Provenance
Source URL
Wayback Machine
Content hash (SHA-256)
4f44174f4b0d71d5e73e594016f83a04bdfa21ecba6b89328846dd76a63a7658
Analysis generated
July 30, 2026 01:42 UTC
Methodology
Evidence
✓ Snapshot stored   ✓ Hash verified
Citation Record
Entity: Google
Document: Google Privacy Policy
Record ID: CA-P-00015006
Captured: 2026-07-30 01:42:00 UTC
SHA-256: 4f44174f4b0d71d5…
URL: https://conductatlas.com/platform/google/google-privacy-policy/biometric-and-audio-data-collection/
Accessed: Sept. 8, 2026
Permanent archival reference. Stable identifier suitable for legal filings, compliance documentation, and research citation.
Classification
Severity
Medium
Categories

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Google's Biometric and Audio Data Collection clause do?

This provision identifies biometric and audio data as collected categories, including pre-activation audio recording, which is operationally significant for users of Google Assistant-enabled devices and for compliance assessment under state biometric privacy laws.

Is ConductAtlas affiliated with Google?

No. ConductAtlas is an independent monitoring service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Google.