Google's recent updates around data handling and privacy settings have sparked significant concern among users, particularly with the introduction of SafetyCore and warnings about upcoming data deletions.
The tech giant launched SafetyCore, which brings on-device image scanning to Android devices, aimed at blurring or flagging sensitive content. While the intended function could improve privacy by keeping data on user devices, the means of its rollout has raised eyebrows. This initiative was first mentioned as part of updates last November but generated serious backlash due to its abrupt introduction.
"Imagine finding out about a new feature just two days before New Year’s, only to realize it’s already switched on without you knowing. Not exactly the kind of surprise you want to ring in the year with," commented Matthew Green, crypto expert, reflecting the unease many users feel about unannounced changes.
The uproar began with reports on social media, where users expressed dissatisfaction after discovering SafetyCore had been quietly installed on their devices without prior notice. One user highlighted, "Google quietly slipped this app onto Android devices without asking. Apparently, it can scan your photo gallery and eats up a hefty 2GB of storage." This concern draws parallels to the privacy issues experienced with Apple's Enhanced Visual Search, which also drew scrutiny for its surprise implementation.
Yet, the goal behind SafetyCore is to shift the scanning of content away from the cloud and onto the device level. Essentially, Google claims this means everything stays local, potentially enhancing privacy. GrapheneOS, known for prioritizing security, noted, "It’s a shame this isn’t open source or part of the Android Open Source Project. Even the models themselves are locked down, which isn’t great… We wouldn’t mind having local AI-powered tools like this, but they need to be open for everyone to see." While there are affirmations from Google about users maintaining control over the tool, there remains considerable distrust among users.
On top of SafetyCore, Google recently warned users about possible deletions of their Timeline data if prompts for privacy settings aren’t heeded. An email sent to users on March 6 disclosed they have until May 18, 2025, to modify their settings to prevent losing saved visit and route data. The Google Maps Timeline feature—previously known as location history—will be undergoing significant changes as it transitions from Google’s servers to individual devices.
Google explained, "With Timeline, your visits and routes are automatically saved to a map on each of your devices," but users must act now to keep their data intact. If they do not adjust their settings or update their Google Maps app, visits and routes will be permanently deleted after the deadline.
For those wanting to keep their Timeline feature, Google outlined options, which include selecting how long data is stored—three, 18, or 36 months, or indefinitely until manually deleted. Importantly, this updated approach to handling data aims to improve both security and privacy, especially for sensitive location information.
Another alarming aspect of Google's data management policies includes its stance on inactive accounts. Google has announced it will delete Google accounts not accessed within the last two years, including all associated Gmail messages, photos, and documents. Recent updates to Google's inactive account policy suggest significant numbers of users could potentially lose important data if they do not sign in by April 3, 2025.
According to Google, "Your Google Account has not been used within a 2-year period. If you want to keep your Google Account, sign in to your Google Account before April 3, 2025." This has raised alarms, particularly among those who may not recognize the relevance of unused accounts. The company specified the reasons for such measures, emphasizing security vulnerabilities linked to inactive accounts, especially those lacking two-factor authentication.
The complexity of tech privacy is increasingly obvious, with users left to navigate changes and the ramifications of their data management choices. With concerns swirling over how user data is being treated, it’s evident people are worried more than ever about how transparency—or the lack thereof—affects their trust. The outcome remains to be seen whether users can regain confidence amid such constant changes.