Yes, you read it correctly; Google is not subtle about collecting people’s data. After promising to block third-party cookies from Chrome in 2022, Google pushed the ban to 2023.
Banning third-party cookies is a step towards granting Google’s users some privacy. Cookies collect your personal information (name, email, IP address…etc.), location information, and activity on the internet (browsing history and interaction with online content).
Big tech companies can utilize the collected data in many ways, including acquiring customers, personalizing marketing campaigns, and improving their products and services. In this way, cookies benefit companies in many ways while simultaneously threatening people’s privacy.
You might say this is what Google’s Incognito Mode exits for. Well, yes and no. There is a common misconception about the Incognito mode; while it does delete the search history on your device, the truth is that Google will still collect your data all the same. So, there is no running away from Google’s invasiveness. Or is there?
Indeed, there is a way to keep your data safe from Google, whether it’s personal data about what songs you listen to or top-secret data for your company. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) provide a secure network that only you can use, away from the prying eyes of Google’s cookies.
How Can VPNs Protect My Data?
Reliable VPNs provide the highest levels of security, usually with the AES-256-bit encryption, which is so secure to the point that governments, militaries, and banks utilize this type of encryption to secure their data.
Some VPNs add further layers of security with features like the kill switch. A kill switch will protect you by severing your connection to the internet in case your VPN connection suddenly drops, ensuring your actual IP address and personal data stay anonymous.
By determining your needs and finding a VPN that meets such requirements, you can finally acquire the privacy you’re looking for.
See the list of the top VPN services on the market, rated and ranked.
Can’t I Substitute Google With Another Search Engine?
Technically, you can. But practically, it can be a challenge.
DuckDuckGo is another search engine you can go for. DDG emphasizes protecting its users’ privacy by disabling cookies by default. So, you can use DuckDuckGO’s search if you want to keep your browsing history untracked.
Sounds great, right? So then, where does the challenge lie? Out of the 4.39 billion internet users, 4 billion people reportedly use Google. Google is now very much integrated into every aspect of our lives with its multiple services like Search, Gmail, Google Classroom, and YouTube that doing without it is almost impossible.
In a nutshell, in this time and age, letting go of all Google services might not be an option for you. But if you’re still concerned about your privacy, using a VPN is the way to go.
