Google's data collection can be a double-edged sword: helpful in some instances and too invasive in others. Here's how to check and adjust the privacy settings on your account.

Navigate seamlessly with these tweaks.

Ah, Google. We couldn't live without its search engine, Gmail, and especially YouTube. Its services are practically ubiquitous, and the world would reel from the loss if it were to vanish tomorrow.

Take control of your privacy by updating these critical Google account settings: pause Web & App Activity, disable Search and Ad Personalization, pause Timeline, review and remove third-party app ...

David Nield is a technology journalist from Manchester in the U.K. who has been writing about gadgets and apps for more than 20 years. He has a bachelor's degree in English Literature from Durham ...