Does Google sell user data?
Understanding how Google uses-and doesn’t sell-your personal information.
➤Google Does Not Sell Your Personal Data
Google states clearly that it does not sell personal information to third parties. Instead, it uses data to personalize ads within its own platform.
➤Data Is Used for Ad Targeting, Not Sales:
Google collects data to serve relevant ads based on interests, location, and activity-but advertisers never receive direct access to your personal info.
➤Advertisers Bid on Audience Segments, Not Individuals:
Through Google Ads, advertisers target audience categories, such as “tech enthusiasts” or “travelers,” without knowing any user identity.
➤Google’s Ad System Is Based on Aggregated Insights:
Google uses aggregated and anonymized data to help advertisers understand trends, not to share individual user behavior.
➤You Can Control Your Ad Settings Anytime:
Google allows users to manage their Ad Preferences and even opt out of personalized advertising via their Ad Settings dashboard.
➤Strict Privacy Policies Govern Data Handling:
Google is bound by global privacy laws like the GDPR and CCPA, ensuring it doesn’t sell user data and provides users with transparency and control.
➤Data Is Shared with Consent-Based Services Only:
Some services (like Google Maps or YouTube) share limited data with third parties when explicit consent is given by the user.
➤Google’s Transparency Reports Provide Data Access Insights:
Google publishes regular Transparency Reports that detail data requests from governments or legal bodies — not for ad purposes.
➤You Can Download and Delete Your Data:
Through Google Takeout, users can download their data, and the My Activity page allows you to delete search, location, and browsing history.
➤Privacy Tools Reinforce Google’s Data Ethics:
Features like Incognito Mode, 2FA, and Privacy Checkup show Google’s efforts to balance personalization with privacy.
The End