Privacy. It’s a topic that Google seems to be deeply concerned with recently. As of September, 2013, Google announced it would be encrypting all keyword searches – in the name of protecting your privacy. But at about this time, Google also announced that it would also be using your name, face, reviews, and social networking activity in ads to your friends or anyone else Google thinks might be influenced by your opinion.
Hmm, touché Google.
Regardless of if you see the hypocrisy of these two changes, you may not be thrilled to have your face showing up in ads. Luckily, it’s pretty easy to opt out. And here’s how:
- While you’re signed in to your Google account, click on this link. Or if you prefer, copy and paste this into your address bar: https://plus.google.com/settings/endorsements.
- At the bottom of the page, uncheck the “Based upon my activity, Google may show my name and profile photo in shared endorsements that appear in ads” box.
- Click Save.
- A pop-up box will open, asking if you’re sure because your friends won’t benefit from this setting. Click “Continue”.
- You should get a notification that says, “settings saved” and you’re good to go!
