See You As Google Sees You With The Account Activity Tool!
The recent changes with the Google Policy have had a lot of people in an uproar over it. Now Google has opened its door a little to let people see some of what Google sees about themselves! Recently in a blog direct from Google they have announced this new “Account Activity” tool gives users the opportunity to see an analysis of themselves through the eyes of Google. They can view their top search queries and even the amount of e-mail they have sent, for example.
Interested users will need to opt-in before they can use this new Account Activity tool. After opting in, Google will then send monthly password-protected reports that will display an individual’s usage from Google’s point of view during that timeframe. Google has said this new tool will help users monitor their own personal activity and be useful in ensuring their accounts aren’t compromised.
As stated by Google: “[I]f you notice sign-ins from countries where you haven’t been or devices you’ve never owned, you can change your password immediately and sign up for the extra level of security provided by [their] 2-step verification.”
Google has similar features that provide online activity monitoring to users already available (Google Dashboard and Ad Preferences manager) so whether another feature allowing the ability to see things a little more from Google’s viewpoint will really be more useful or not remains to be seen. Currently the new feature gives users information regarding Gmail, Google Search and gives reports on a few other of Google’s services, yet nothing is offered where Google+ is concerned. Very odd considering this is their version of a social network.
At least Google’s opting in to utilize this service is required before this kind of possibly sensitive information is given out, however they have yet to mention what they do with the reports on their side once they are been made.