Google’s recent privacy and security updates demand attention from users over 40 who want to maintain control of their personal data while using the tech giant’s ubiquitous services.
At a Glance
- Google is phasing out SMS codes for two-factor authentication in favor of more secure methods like authentication apps and physical security keys
- Chrome’s “Enhanced Protection” now uses AI to process browsing data in real-time, raising significant privacy concerns
- Android’s new SafetyCore feature scans photos for “sensitive content” using on-device machine learning
- Google has improved its “Results About You” tool, making it easier to remove personal information from search results
- Simple settings adjustments can significantly enhance your privacy while using Google services
Critical Google Security Updates You Need to Know
Google has implemented several significant changes to Gmail, Chrome, and Android that directly impact how your personal information is handled. These updates represent a delicate balance between enhanced security features and potential privacy concerns that every user should understand. For many adults who rely on Google’s ecosystem of products, these changes may require immediate attention to ensure your data remains as private as you intend it to be.
Nine Changes You Need to Make to Your Google Security and Privacy Settings
🔏 With Gmail, Gemini, Android, Chrome, and all the other apps and services it runs, Google can suck up a vast amount of information about you and what you're up to. It's important to make sure this data… pic.twitter.com/hPLeFO12ve
— Marsha Collier (@MarshaCollier) May 1, 2025
Perhaps the most pressing change affects Gmail users who still rely on text messages for two-factor authentication. Google is actively phasing out SMS codes due to inherent security vulnerabilities, encouraging users to adopt more robust alternatives. “Two-factor authentication (2FA) is one of the best ways to protect your accounts, because it means hackers need more than a username and password to get at your data,” notes David Nield in a recent Lifehacker article.
Chrome Privacy Concerns and Alternatives
Chrome’s “Enhanced Protection” feature has undergone a significant transformation, now incorporating artificial intelligence to process browsing data in real-time. “Google also updated Chrome’s ‘Enhanced Protection’ feature, which is designed to warn you about harmful sites, downloads, and extensions,” according to Google.
While this may enhance security, it raises questions about how much of your browsing activity Google is analyzing. For those concerned about privacy, browsers like Firefox, Brave, or DuckDuckGo offer compelling alternatives with stronger privacy protections. Even if you choose to continue using Chrome, several settings adjustments can significantly reduce data collection. Signing out of your Google account while browsing, changing your default search engine to DuckDuckGo, and regularly clearing your browsing history are simple but effective steps.
Android’s Photo Scanning Feature and How to Manage It
Android’s new SafetyCore feature has introduced on-device machine learning that scans photos for what Google terms “sensitive content.” “According to Google, this is opt-in and privacy-friendly because the scanning happens on your device,” states Google.
While on-device processing is certainly preferable to cloud-based analysis, many users may feel uncomfortable with any form of content scanning. If you share this concern, you can disable the “Sensitive Content Detection” feature in your Android settings. For those seeking even greater privacy, alternative Android operating systems like CalyxOS or GrapheneOS offer enhanced privacy protections while still maintaining compatibility with most Android applications.
Taking Control of Your Personal Information in Google Search
One positive development is Google’s improved “Results About You” tool, which makes it easier to remove personal information from search results. This feature is particularly valuable for older adults concerned about identity theft or privacy breaches. “Did you know Google can warn you if your information leaks out on the dark web?” mentions David Nield.
It’s important to understand that this tool only affects Google Search results, not the actual websites hosting your data. Additionally, not all removal requests may be approved. For comprehensive digital privacy, you’ll need to contact websites directly to request removal of your personal information. The Google Account dashboard provides centralized access to privacy settings, allowing you to review activity logs, manage ad preferences, and control what data Google collects across its various services.
Practical Steps for Better Google Privacy
Taking control of your Google privacy doesn’t require technical expertise. Begin by visiting your Google Account (myaccount.google.com) and conducting a Privacy Checkup. Review and adjust Activity Controls to decide what information Google saves. Enable auto-delete settings to automatically remove older activity data after a set period. For Chrome users, regularly review website permissions for location, camera, and microphone access, and consider using privacy-focused extensions like uBlock Origin.
For maximum security, switch to a password manager like BitWarden or 1Password instead of relying on Chrome’s built-in password manager. Enable two-factor authentication using an authentication app rather than SMS codes. These simple changes can dramatically improve your privacy posture while continuing to benefit from Google’s convenient services. The key is finding the right balance between utility and privacy that works for your personal comfort level.
