Even when you pay, Google likes to track you. Those who previously turned off tracking controls on their accounts should do so again as Google Workspace introduces more tracking options.
Starting March 29, Google is changing the rules around ‘Web & App Activity’ tracking for paying users of Google Workspace(formerly G Suite). Indeed, from then on, the search giant will split the tracking control into two segments: ‘Web & App Activity’ and ‘Search History’. Worth noting: those who disabled the feature today to prevent Google from tracking their activities may re-enable it starting March 29.
Indeed, the search giant is using the timing to proactively re-enable tracking control for everyone. Interestingly, “Web and App Activity” can be checked from the admin portal today, which is important for IT administrators. With the additional granularity, Google says that is no longer necessary.
The tracking control within “Web and App Activity” includes everything within the professional Google Workspace applications. Think Gmail, Calendar, Docs, Drive, Google Chat (see full list here). Non-professional applications such as Google Search, Google Maps, YouTube will no longer be tracked under that heading from now on and now fall under ‘Search History’.
Dubious decision
The new settings are essentially a good first step toward more control over what data Google wants to use, but the implementation is not. Re-enabling everything for every user is just plain wrong, and removing the feature from the admin portal is also questionable. IT administrators who don’t want it should manually disable it for each user.
Wait and see how the community reacts to this change and forces Google to make adjustments.
Google has been making itself unpopular with its G Suite and Workspace customers in recent weeks. For example, historical users of a free G Suite account suddenly received a notification in late January that they will be switched to a paid alternative or have to delete their account. The sudden switch caused a lot of unrest and frustration, causing Google to partially retrace its steps and engage in dialogue with users via a survey to find a better solution.
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