Google Tries to Demystify Privacy Controls With New Approach

Google is making its privacy controls easier to find and understand
Google Tries to Demystify Privacy Controls With New Approach
People stand in the lobby of Google's Washington headquarters on Jan. 8. Mark Wilson/Getty Images
The Associated Press
Updated:

SAN FRANCISCO—Google is making its privacy controls easier to find and understand in an attempt to make the more than 1 billion users of its digital services feel more comfortable about the personal information that they give the Internet’s most powerful company.

The simpler approach debuting Monday features a redesigned “My Account” hub where all of Google’s key privacy controls can be found. Accountholders can also undergo a check-up that will break down which of the company’s various services are gathering information about them.

The new system represents Google’s tacit admission that its previous setup confused and frustrated people. Until now, the privacy controls were spread across far-flung sections of Google’s website with few explanations of the pros and cons of adjusting each setting.