Google Scans Your Gmail For Invoices & Receipts To Track What You Buy Online

If there was one good thing that came about from Facebook's Cambridge Analytica scandal (there probably weren't many more) it was that the general public became more aware of how sensitive their personal data is and how it can be misused. So it might be disconcerting to note that Google keeps close tabs on the things you buy online.

All the things.

Images courtesy: Reuters

During Google I/O this year, the Internet giant pointed out the various ways it's streamlining the way people can view and manage the data stored on them. But according to a new CNBC report, there's at least one trove of data on you that you may not even know exists.

Labeled 'Purchases, you can find this in your Google account here. However, it's not something widely publicised, which is worrying in itself. Worse, it contains a list of all the things you've bought online, at least those that are processes through your Gmail. That's because Gmail is automatically scanning your inbox for these invoices and archiving all the tiny details about what you buy.

In a statement to CNBC, Google confirmed that this data is only visible to the user, and "You can delete this information at any time. We don't use any information from your Gmail messages to serve you ads, and that includes the email receipts and confirmations shown on the Purchase page."

In that case, you have to wonder why this data stash exists, because it's going back years. It shows just how much access Google has to your private doings, even if that data is being used just to make your Google Assistant, Sear, or Maps more helpful.

Also, note how Google says it doesn't use any of this purchase to serve you ads. What they haven't specified however is whether they've used this in the past. Either way, if that's data you're not comfortable with Google having about you, maybe get on it and delete.