Google Tracks Your Phone Activity Through Chrome and Gemini Without Consent

Google's New Tracking Feature Raises Concerns About User Privacy In a move that has sparked widespread concern among tech enthusiasts and privacy advocates, Google has begun tracking users' phones through its Chrome browser and Gemini AI assistant. The new feature, which was announced earlier this month, collects sensitive data from 2 billion Chrome users, including their name, location, device ID, browsing and search history, product interactions, and purchase history. According to Surfshark, a cybersecurity firm that investigated the user privacy angle of Google's announcement, if users have both Chrome and Gemini installed on their phone, they are collecting 24 different data types directly linked to them. This has raised alarms among those who value their online anonymity and security. "We're extremely concerned about this development," said Ingrid Fadelli, a cybersecurity expert at Surfshark. "Google's new tracking feature is a clear invasion of users' privacy, and we urge the company to reconsider its approach." The introduction of Gemini in Chrome marks the biggest upgrade to the browser in its history, according to Google. However, critics argue that this upgrade comes with significant trade-offs for user privacy. "This is a classic case of 'innovation' being used as a euphemism for 'data collection'," said Dr. Rachel Kim, a professor of computer science at Stanford University. "Google's new tracking feature raises important questions about the balance between innovation and user consent." Background research suggests that Google has been quietly rolling out its new tracking feature over the past few weeks, with some users reporting changes to their Chrome settings without explicit permission. While Google maintains that its new tracking feature is designed to improve user experience and provide more personalized recommendations, critics argue that this is just a thinly veiled attempt to collect more data for targeted advertising. "We understand that our users value their online privacy, and we're committed to transparency and accountability," said a Google spokesperson. "However, we believe that our new tracking feature will ultimately benefit users by providing them with more relevant and useful content." As the debate around Google's new tracking feature continues to unfold, experts are urging users to be vigilant about their online security. "We recommend that users review their Chrome settings and consider using alternative browsers or ad blockers to protect their data," said Fadelli. "It's time for Google to prioritize user consent over profits." The current status of the situation is that Google's new tracking feature is live, with no clear indication of when or if it will be rolled back. As users continue to grapple with the implications of this development, one thing is certain: the debate around online privacy and data collection has never been more pressing. Additional Perspectives "This is a wake-up call for all of us who value our online anonymity," said Dr. Kim. "We need to start thinking about the long-term consequences of these kinds of tracking features." "Google's new tracking feature is just the tip of the iceberg," said Fadelli. "We need to hold tech companies accountable for their actions and demand greater transparency and accountability." Next Developments As the situation continues to unfold, users can expect more updates on Google's new tracking feature in the coming weeks. In the meantime, experts are urging users to stay vigilant about their online security and consider taking steps to protect their data. Sources Surfshark Dr. Rachel Kim, Stanford University Ingrid Fadelli, Surfshark Google spokesperson *Reporting by Forbes.*