Google keeps different types of data for different lengths of time — some is deleted automatically, some you must delete yourself, and some is kept for longer periods for legal or business reasons even after you ask for deletion.
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
The provision operationalizes Google's approach to managing data lifecycles across its systems, establishing differential retention periods and outlining the procedural steps Google undertakes following user deletion requests. This framework addresses the administrative requirements for data management at scale across multiple product systems and storage infrastructure.
The updated policy makes several material clarifications about how Google links your activity across websites and apps. It shifts from describing analytics tools in isolation to framing them as part of a broader 'ad and analytics services' ecosystem, and broadens the scope of data linking to explicitly include 'cookies and other technologies'. The policy also clarifies that data sharing occurs even in private browsing modes. Review your Google Account activity controls to understand what data is being collected and linked across services you use.
View change record →The removal of explicit data retention policy details (varying retention periods, automatic deletion, and immediate deletion upon user request) represents less transparency about how long Google retains different types of user data.
View full change record →Your search history, YouTube watch history, and location records are not automatically deleted and may be retained indefinitely unless you manually enable auto-delete or delete them yourself; even after deletion requests, Google states it takes time to fully remove data from all backup and storage systems.
How other platforms handle this
We collect and keep personal data only as needed or allowed for the purposes set out in this Statement, based on the reason we collected the personal data in the first instance and what is permitted under the laws that apply to the processing.
Affirm will retain your information in accordance with our Privacy Policy and any applicable state or federal law, rule or regulation.
Mistral AI shall retain the Customer Exportable Data and Assets for a period of thirty (30) days from the earlier between (a) the expiration of the Transitional Period or (b) Customer's notification under Section 2.2.2 (b) of these Additional Terms.
"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.Excerpt from Google's Privacy Policy
REGULATORY FRAMEWORK: This provision engages GDPR Art.
Enforcement risk, jurisdiction flags, contract triggers, and due diligence action items.
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The provision operationalizes Google's approach to managing data lifecycles across its systems, establishing differential retention periods and outlining the procedural steps Google undertakes following user deletion requests. This framework addresses the administrative requirements for data management at scale across multiple product systems and storage infrastructure.
Your search history, YouTube watch history, and location records are not automatically deleted and may be retained indefinitely unless you manually enable auto-delete or delete them yourself; even after deletion requests, Google states it takes time to fully remove data from all backup and storage systems.
ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 275 platforms. See the full comparison.
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