Google to turn on activity tracking for many users who turned it off

Article summary

Google is changing its activity tracking settings for Google Workspace users, ignoring the "Web & App Activity" setting and introducing a new "Google Workspace Search History" setting that defaults to on. This change affects several Google services, including Gmail, Drive, and Calendar. The update will take effect on March 29, 2022. Google Workspace organizations will no longer be able to turn off "Web & App Activity" for all users.

Main themes

• Google's data collection practices
• User privacy and tracking
• Advertising and monetization
• Google's business model and diversification
• Navigation and mapping features
• User trust and reputation
• Automation and ad sales
• Global implications and cultural context
• Landmarks and navigation directions

What commenters say

• Some users believe Google's decision to re-enable activity tracking is a clear example of the company prioritizing its own interests over user privacy.
• Others argue that the change is a result of Google's need to meet quarterly earnings targets and squeeze more data out of its users.
• There is disagreement over whether the inclusion of business names in navigation directions constitutes advertising or a useful point of reference.
• Some commenters think that Google's actions demonstrate a lack of integrity and a disregard for user preferences.
• The discussion also touches on the idea that Google's business model is based on personal data and that the company is struggling to diversify into other areas.
• A few commenters mention that they have noticed verbal ads during navigation directions, which they find annoying and intrusive.
• Some users are concerned that Google's actions will lead to further erosion of user trust and potentially create opportunities for other companies to fill the gap.
• Others see Google's behavior as a natural consequence of its focus on search and ads, and predict that the company will continue to prioritize these areas.
• The role of automation in Google's ad sales process is also debated, with some arguing that the company does have secret or direct sales channels for large customers.
• The global implications of navigational ads, particularly in different cultural contexts, are also discussed.
• Some commenters argue that the use of landmarks in navigation directions is not always effective or useful, and can be seen as a form of advertising.
• The idea that Google's reputation is tarnished and that this will impact its ability to succeed in other markets is also mentioned.