Google · Google Privacy Policy

Data Retention and Deletion Rights

Medium severity
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What it is

We keep the data we collect for different amounts of time depending on what it is, your Google Account settings, and your product settings. Some data you can delete whenever you like, some data is deleted automatically, and some data we retain for longer periods when necessary. When you delete data in your Google Account, we immediately start the process of removing it from the product and our systems. First, we aim to immediately remove it from view and the data may no longer be used to personalize your experience. We then begin a process designed to safely and completely delete the data from our storage systems.

Why it matters

Without actively managing your Google Account settings and manually deleting data, Google may retain your personal information — including search history, location records, and voice queries — indefinitely, continuing to use it for profiling even years after it was collected.

Consumer impact

Google collects an exceptionally broad range of personal data — including precise location, voice and audio recordings, search and browsing history, app usage, and inferred characteristics like health interests and political views — across all its services and combines them into a unified profile used primarily for targeted advertising. This means even routine activities like searching, watching YouTube, or using Google Maps contribute to an advertising dossier that follows you across the web, including on non-Google websites through the Google Display Network. You can review, edit, or delete your data by visiting myaccount.google.com and managing your Activity Controls, Location History, and Ad Settings.

What you can do

⚠️ These actions may provide transparency or partial mitigation but may not fully address the underlying issue. Effectiveness varies by jurisdiction and individual circumstances.
  • Delete Your Data
    Go to myaccount.google.com/activitycontrols, select each activity type (Web & App Activity, Location History, YouTube History), click 'Manage activity', then choose 'Delete' and select a time range, or set up auto-delete to automatically remove data older than 3 or 18 months.

Applicable agencies

  • FTC
    The FTC has authority to investigate deceptive or unfair data retention practices under Section 5 of the FTC Act, including indefinite retention of personal data without adequate consumer disclosure.
    File a complaint →

Provision details

Document information
Document
Google Privacy Policy
Entity
Google
Document last updated
March 24, 2026
Tracking information
First tracked
March 6, 2026
Last verified
April 9, 2026
Record ID
CA-P-002359
Document ID
CA-D-00015
Evidence Provenance
Source URL
Wayback Machine
SHA-256
7ae2c5414225f559d94f625194b17341f89b75a40ea396c34fd6aba669517459
Verified
✓ Snapshot stored   ✓ Change verified
How to Cite
ConductAtlas Policy Archive
Entity: Google | Document: Google Privacy Policy | Record: CA-P-002359
Captured: 2026-03-06 20:40:05 UTC | SHA-256: 7ae2c5414225f559…
URL: https://conductatlas.com/platform/google/google-privacy-policy/data-retention-and-deletion-rights/
Accessed: April 16, 2026
Classification
Severity
Medium
Categories

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