Staying safe on Google

Google is the primary search engine people use to find websites or information on the internet. Explore Google safely with our security and privacy tips.

Last Updated30/07/2024

Security on Google

The best way to ensure your Google account is secure is by taking a Security Check-up with Google. This will enhance your security by helping you secure your data and devices, add extra protections, and check recent security events:

How to complete a security check-up with Google.(https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/46526?hl=en#:~:text=Sign%20into%20your%20Google%20Account,to%20improve%20your%20account%20security.)

Create strong passwords

Creating a strong, unique password (/online-safety-at-home/how-to-choose-a-good-password)is essential for protecting your online accounts. Start by choosing a series of words that are memorable to you but difficult for others to guess. Ensure your password is at least eight characters long—the longer, the better, as it increases security.

Additionally, Google’s Password Manager(https://passwords.google.com/?hl=en) can boost your safety by checking the strength of your stored passwords, alerting you if they are compromised, and providing personalised security tips.

Two-factor authentication

Two factor authentication (or 2-step verification) adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second step in addition to your username and password to access your account.

With Google, this can be a six-digit code generated by the Google Authenticator app or a prompt in your Google app to accept the login from a trusted device. How to turn on two factor authentication.(https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/185839?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid)

SafeSearch quick guide

SafeSearch helps filter out sexually explicit or offensive content from your search results. You can choose from three settings: 'Strict', 'Moderate', or 'None'. To enable SafeSearch:

Go to the  Search Settings(https://www.google.com/preferences)  page.
Check the 'Turn on SafeSearch' option.
Click 'Save' at the bottom of the page to apply your settings.

More details on SafeSearch(https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/510?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop&sjid=14010684814860991953-AP)

Privacy on Google

Activity on your Google account

When you use Google sites, apps, and services, some of your activity is saved in your Google account. However, Google provides the option to stop saving this information.

Manage your activity on Google(https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/7028918?visit_id=638548791515286537-948114014&p=my_activity&hl=en&rd=1)

Additional tips:

Consider using incognito mode for sensitive searches to prevent them from being saved to your history and cookies.
You can also delete your search history.
Visit Google’s safety centre(https://safety.google/) for more information on how to browse safely on Google.

Google Meet

Google Meet, formerly Google Duo, is a video and voice calling application accessible through a web browser, pre-installed on Android devices, and available for iOS users.

It supports individual and group calls, with features such as screen sharing and live captions. Integrated within the Google Workspace suite, it offers enhanced functions like recording and live streaming for subscribers.

Google Meet enables connections via Google accounts, direct phone numbers, or shareable links, supporting calls over Wi-Fi to conserve mobile data.

You also have the option to block people in a Google meeting and report abuse. You can read more details about Google meet(https://workspace.google.com/products/meet/) here.

Google Chat

Google Chat, previously known as Google Hangouts, provides messaging, voice, and video calling within the Google ecosystem, accessible via Gmail and integrated with Google Voice for comprehensive phone capabilities. It supports individual and group chats, including large spaces, and allows the sharing of various content such as photos and videos. Messages synchronise across devices and are available offline, though content and calls are not encrypted.

Users can manage content by blocking others or deleting messages directly within the app. Free basic features are available with a Google account, with premium options through Google Workspace subscriptions.

You can also decline message requests.

You can find out more about Google Chat here.(https://support.google.com/chat/answer/9277792)

Read more about how to block and report on Google chat here.

Advice for parents - Family Link

Google's Family Link app helps parents manage their children's Google accounts and devices. It allows parents to set digital ground rules to guide their children as they learn, play, and explore online.

With Family Link, parents can manage app usage by approving or blocking apps, monitor screen time, and set device bedtimes to manage when a child's device can be used. The app also offers features to help locate a child's device. Additionally, parents can view activity reports to see how much time their children spend on various apps, aiding informed decisions on the digital content their children engage with.

Family Link works by linking a child's Google account, created by the parents, to the Family Link app on the parent's device. This setup allows parents to adjust settings and manage the child's device remotely.