Android: Google can constantly collect this data about you - and the data is needed for this (FAQ)

Practically all users are probably aware that smartphones like to call “home” and send or receive data more or less constantly – and on a wide variety of levels. After a report about Google’s excessive data collection made the rounds a few days ago, in this article we want to take a closer look at what data Google actually collects according to official information and what it is used for.

Android: Google can constantly collect this data about you – and the data is needed for this (FAQ)

Smartphones are usually constantly connected to the Internet and diligently exchange data with countless servers. This is well known and, to a certain extent, absolutely necessary in order to ensure the basic functions of a smartphone. Only through constant listening can notifications arrive; only through active communication can information be downloaded, updates installed, optimizations made, services updated, AI optimized or whatever else in the background. And all of this without any action from the user.

A few days ago there was a report about excessive data collection by a Pixel 9 Pro XL, but the report itself states that this applies to all Android smartphones. In addition, Google already states in the report that all of the data listed is not collected without notice and that it also serves certain purposes that benefit the user or the entire ecosystem. Even if most users are certainly not aware of it in detail, they all agreed to the license conditions during the initial setup.

Let’s take a look at what data Google collects and what it is used for. This collection serves three purposes, which are also differentiated in the support document: On the one hand, there is security and protection against fraud, which is often dismissed as an excuse, but as a user you are happy once you do is affected. The second point is supporting and improving the Android platform, and the third is the general provision of Google services.

Security and protection against fraud

Google collects data using Google Play Services to protect users, Google services, and third-party apps and services from fraud, spam, and abuse. This collected information is evaluated and, both individually and presumably in combination, ensures that the ecosystem remains safe.

This data is collected

Information to be able to check whether a request comes from a real user. This includes information about installed apps and the results of malware scans.
Google account and login information.
Phone number of the smartphone to provide account recovery services, log users into services, or provide services based on the phone number.
Hardware IDs such as IMEI and Mac address as well as serial number so that the devices can be updated with the latest security patches. This data is also used to evaluate trends in the Android environment.

Support and improve the Android platform

Google may collect data about the Google Play Services in order to provide, manage and improve them. Depending on the device settings, Google may also collect additional information about the respective device.

This data is collected

Collecting data about how the APIs are used to ensure they are working properly.
Location data for the use of Google location accuracy, including for the anonymous use of location-based services.
When the Usage & Diagnostics device setting is enabled, Google collects data about device usage and how well it works to improve services and products, as well as the Google apps.

Provision of Google services

When a user uses Google apps and services on Android, Google collects data using Google Play Services to provide and improve those apps and services.

This data is collected

Depending on the user settings, data such as contacts and bookmarks can be synchronized.
Google Play Services syncs Google Account settings across devices.
Google Play services collect data in order to be able to offer embedded app functions such as Maps.
Google Play Services may collect data from Google Pay to manage payment information, contactless payments, use the digital car key, and similar.
Collection of data regarding the use of the Google Play profile for games.
Google may store activity data from apps in Google Account to increase the personalization of Google services. The prerequisite is that “Web & App Activities” is activated.

All lists are only examples and do not claim to be complete. Just because something isn’t listed doesn’t mean it can’t be covered. The actual data collection depends on the device settings configured by the user, the apps and services installed and used on the device, the device manufacturer’s specifications and the user’s Google account settings.

[Google Support]

topicnews · October 13, 2024