Google enables search history by default for all Google Workspace customers
Google will enable search history by default for all Google Workspace users by the end of March. In this way, the company wants to separate the data from other data it collects. Users who have disabled the search history will have to disable this option again.
Contents
Web & App Activity vs Google Workspace Search History
Currently, the Web & App Activity setting, which is also found in personal Google Accounts, allows administrators to turn on search history for users. Users cannot then disable the function. If administrators do not do anything with the setting, users can turn it on or off themselves.
Google now sends emails to Google Workspace administrators containing search history tracking information for Workspace users. That reports gHacks. The search giant indicates in the email that the web and app activity will be replaced by the so-called Google Workspace search history as of March 29. Search history will be enabled by default for all Google Workspace users from that date. Google confirms this on a support page. As a result, administrators no longer have control over user search history data.
What is Google Workspace search history?
The Google Workspace search history is a new setting that is turned on by default on the My Activity page. The setting ensures that you see suggestions from your search history when you type a search text. This way you can easily redo previous searches.
Google Workspace search history works in Gmail, Google Drive, Calendar, Google Currents, and Google Workspace websites, such as Google Cloud and Google Sites. Google will add even more Google Workspace services in the future.
How long will the data in Google Workspace search history be retained?
The data in the Google Workspace search history is automatically deleted after 18 months. If desired, you can indicate that data will be deleted after 3, 18 or 36 months or never.
How do I turn Google Workspace search history on or off?
On your phone, you can turn Google Workspace search history on or off through the Google app.
- Open the Google app and select your profile picture at the top right Manage your Google account.
- Go to Data and privacy and tap below History Settings on Web & App Activity.
- You can now do the activity to expand or have it automatically deleted after a certain period of time.
From your PC, you manage your Google Workspace search history through the My Activity page.
- On your computer, go to the Activity Options page. You may be asked to sign in to your Google account.
- Switch Web & App Activity in or out.
- if Web & App Activity is checked: Check the box labeled “Record Chrome history and activity on sites, apps, and devices that use Google services.” You can check the box next to Record audio recordings.
View or delete more data
Want to view or delete even more data about your search history? Then you can find out all about it in the articles below.
What do you think of this change to Google search history? Are you going to disable the feature again? Let us know in the comments below this article.
The Google app on phones is one of the most used apps. Not only does it contain Google Search, but also Google Assistant, your Google account, reminders, search..
More info
