

Searching ‘more tools’ in Chrome gives you access to remove unwanted extensions. On the thing you want to delete, click delete.įor extensions, which can store data on your computer or in your Google account, uninstalling them is important because they can also create a channel for your data access. You can find an item in a few different ways, including ‘browse by day’ and ‘search or use filters’. On your computer, go to, scroll down to your activity, and find the item you want to delete. To delete individual activity items, for example, this could include a search you did on Google or a website you visited on Chrome. On your computer, go to, above your activity, click delete, click all time, click next then delete.

Search histories and other Google activities on Google services are usually saved to your Google account, so you have to go the extra mile to delete them. There are other types of data that do not get deleted and are related to your behaviour online. Hosted app data: Data from hosted Chrome Web Store apps is erased, like the local storage used by Gmail Offline. For example, if a site can run JavaScript, use your camera, or know your location. Cards from your Google Pay account aren’t deleted.Ĭontent settings: Settings and permissions you give to websites are deleted. Kaspersky however noted that despite cookies not being entirely bad, there are certain ones to watch out for.įor example, cookies that let websites recognise users and recall their individual login information and preferences, such as sports news versus politics.Īutofill form data: Your Autofill entries are deleted, including addresses and credit cards. Basically, the danger with cookies lies in their ability to track individuals’ browsing histories. Even legitimate cookies can sometimes be spied upon if a criminal gets access. While most cookies are perfectly safe, some can be used to track you without your consent. However, some cyberattacks can hijack cookies and enable access to your browsing sessions.

They can’t infect computers with viruses or other malware. Since the data in cookies doesn’t change, cookies themselves aren’t harmful. So, to improve your privacy, it is best to delete them regularly.Ī cybersecurity firm, Kaspersky, said that cookies are generally safe but can be dangerous if hijacked by cyber fraudsters. The new GDPR states that cookies must be treated as personal data because they can be used to identify an individual through their IP addresses.Ĭookies remember the sites you visit and the purchases you make and advertisers as well as hackers can use this information to their advantage. Cookies have been causing concerns around privacy for a few years now but the new General Data Protection Regulation has changed how they can be used. Usually when visiting a website, there will be a popup asking you to accept all cookies or select your preferred cookies. Cookies or browser cookies which are small files designed to hold data specific to a particular client and website, are continuously being added to one’s device while browsing. In every device, when you check your browser’s settings there are usually advanced options to guide you in not only deleting the history but other extensions and cookies that could provide access to your personal data if breached.Īccording to an IT support firm, Systems IT, cookies build up alongside browsing history, causing computers to slow down. Surprisingly, internet users have been deleting their browsing history wrongly. You can ensure your confidential data and activity won’t be traced by anyone if you clear your browsing log after using your computer. Clearing your browsing history is not just something to do for fun but it is one way to protect your privacy and prevent tracking and data access from cyberattacks.
