Parts of
Google’s I/O developer conference Tuesday could have been downloaded from an
Apple event. Speakers touted such privacy features as on-device processing of
sensitive data, browser blocking of web tracking, and alerts of smartphone apps
using the camera or microphone.
"We
strictly uphold responsible data practices so every product we build is private
by design,” said Google CEO Sundar Pichai in the opening keynote. "And we
create easy-to-use privacy and security settings, so you are in control."
But
where Apple’s business is selling hardware and services, Google makes most of
its money from online advertising – a field that’s traditionally involved
tracking people. So at this year’s online-only I/O, Google had a tricky balance
to maintain in its messaging.
“We are
safeguarding users' privacy, but we are still driving value to advertisers,”
translated analyst Carolina Milanesi, president and principal analyst of
Creative Strategies.
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The
Privacy Dashboard feature, part of Android 12,
a revision of Google’s mobile operating system due later this year.
The
privacy changes look most striking in Android 12, a revision of Google’s mobile
operating system due later this year. It will bring a “Privacy Dashboard” that
itemizes apps’ appetites for data over time, Google’s included.
An
onscreen warning – like in Apple’s iOS 14 – will highlight when any app uses
the camera or microphone, while the Quick Settings menu that’s a swipe away
from any screen will include kill-switch controls to disable those components.
And you’ll be able to share only your approximate location with an app instead
of precise coordinates. See Also - Tech News
That’s a wrap! In case you missed it, here are a few things to know from the #GoogleIO keynote. Watch the full show here → https://t.co/muYGfi08eK pic.twitter.com/96xz8O5Nt7
— Google (@Google) May 19, 2021