Google, as we know, is keeping track of users' personal profiles and preferences as they input words in the search engine. According to The Guardian, what most people don't know is it also keeps a record users' audio log in its new voice search function, OK Google.
"Ok Google, show me where the nearest Walmart is," you can ask. Or, "Ok Google, play 'Happy' by Pharrell Williams," you can command.
Launched in June, Google's voice and audio activity page shows a list of every question you've asked or command you've given. Hitting the "Play" button allows you to eerily hear your voice.
This feature is one of the company's attempts "to demystify its data-collection service." In addition, Google also offers a history of all your location searches through Google Maps. And while storing these personal data makes it easier for Google to link all your preferences and provide better search results, a number of users find it unnerving to know how much Google knows about you.
If you have used Ok Google but you do not like the idea of a website storing your unique voice identity, here's the good news: you can delete the recordings and make it stop. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do this:
1. Log on to history.google.com.
2. Click the navigation icon on the top left of the page.
3. Go to "Voice & Audio Activity."
4. Scroll through your list and see all the silly things you've asked and commanded.
5. Click on a recording to delete.
6. Go to "Activity Controls" and turn off the voice function if you don't want to listen to yourself again in the future. Google will still keep track of your searches and activities, but at least for now, your voice will remain anonymous.
