Google announces new safety features

By Our Special Correspondent

When people use internet, they want to have control over how their personal information. Keeping this in mind, Google has announced a new tool to accompany updated removal policies so that anyone can request the removal of Google Search results that contain information such as their contact details, including phone numbers, home and email addresses.

These include a new ‘Account Status Safety’ feature, automatic 2-factor authentication (2FA) and a new ‘virtual credit card’ option for users. It will also remove search results which include any personal information of users. Here’s a look at the new privacy-focused features that Google showcased.

Also, a new account safety status has been introduced. “We’re adding safety status to your apps so you never have to worry about the security of your Google Account. These updates will feature a simple yellow alert icon on your profile picture that will flag actions you should take to secure your account,” said Jen Fitzpatrick, SVP, Core Systems and Experiences, Google in a blog post.

Automatic 2-Step Verification: Google will automatically start enrolling users into the 2-step Verification (2SV). This is designed to boost the security of one’s Google account and reduces phishing risks.

This will roll out to the US first for Visa, America Express and Capital One cards and MasterCard will be added later this year. The feature is designed to make shopping safer on Android and Chrome. These virtual cards use auto fill to enter payment details at checkout, and Google says that virtual cards will add an additional layer of security by replacing the actual card number with a distinct, virtual number.

The new tool is rolling out as part of the company’s updated removal policies. This will ensure that users can easily request the removal of Google Search results that contain their contact details — such as phone numbers, home addresses, and email addresses. His feature will be available in the coming months in the Google App, and one can also access it by clicking the three dots next to individual Google Search results.

Google is also providing more control to users when it comes to ads they see. It plans to launch more ads privacy settings by the end of the year and will let users choose which brands they wish to see more or less of. It will give more control over the ads users see on YouTube, Search, and one’s Discover feed, while still being able to block and report ads.

While addressing the conference, Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet said, “Around the world, we have mapped 1.6 bn buildings and over 60 mn-km of roads to date.