Gmail is getting ready to allow its users to opt-out of other personalized services provided by the platform. As reported by XDA Developers this should limit the amount of data Google can collect about users should they wish.
Google’s collection of users’ data has long been a sensitive and controversial subject. Back in July, the company had to promise not to use data collected by Fitbit amid EU Antitrust concerns.
Additionally, following potential data breaches all Google voice users hat to be opted out of data collection whilst the company conducted an investigation.
Now it is looking like Google has had to take some action on this subject. By allowing users to opt-out of some personalized services for Gmail users more easily this should alleviate some of the issues the company currently faces.
Google to let Gmail users opt-out of personalized services
Given most people use free email accounts and it is such an important part of life, they want one they can trust. In its current form, Gmail collects a huge amount of user data for creating targeted ads.
They also use this data to improve their own services. Features like smart reply and nudges are two examples of this. There are also cross-platform ways Google does this such as Maps displaying Restaraunt reservations or Assistant reminding you of your bills.
The problem is that once you have enabled these features it becomes difficult to disable them. You have to go to multiple apps’ setting to switch them off.
Now it looks like Google will make it easier for Gmail users to disable these cross-product integrations. It will add a specific form for users to opt-out of precisely these sorts of features and the data collection that goes with it.
This same form may also notify users about various “smart” features by Google. In the future, users may have to opt-in, even if they already use them, to continue to have them activated.
Developers spotted this new feature in strings of data found in version 2020.09.20 of the Gmail app. It shows a form to allow you to opt-out of various cross-product integrations as well as smart features.
It appears Google wishes to address privacy advocates that have long criticized the company. This should make it more obvious to users where Google is using their data and give them greater freedom to disable that ability.
Whether this goes far enough for most critiques is unlikely. However, it is a step in the right direction which for we should see as a positive.