Google brings this new feature that will now automatically delete web, app activity: Here is how it works

Search engine giant Google has come up with a new feature that will automatically delete web, app activity. The update comes as part of Google’s efforts to improve the privacy of its users. Starting today, the first time you turn on Location History (which is off by default), your auto-delete option will be set to 18 months by default. Web and App Activity auto-delete will also default to 18 months for new accounts.

"This means your activity data will be automatically and continuously deleted after 18 months, rather than kept until you choose to delete it. You can always turn these settings off or change your auto-delete option," Pichai said in a statement late Wednesday.

Last year, the company had rolled out an update, allowing users to choose between 3 months and 18 months as the time after which they want Google to delete the data. The company said if you've already had Location History and Web & App Activity turned on, it won't be changing your settings.

"But we will actively remind you about the auto-delete controls through in-product notifications and emails, so you can choose the auto-delete setting that works for you," said Pichai.

Current users can still choose the 3 or 18 months auto-delete option. "Default retention periods will not apply to other products like Gmail, Drive and Photos," informed Pichai.

A similar update has also been added on YouTube, with auto-delete set to 36 months by default if you create a new account or turn on your YouTube History for the first time. 

Google said it will make it easier to access key Google Account controls from Search. Soon, when you're signed in to your Google Account, you'll be able to search for things like "Google Privacy Checkup" and "Is my Google Account secure?" and a box only visible to you will show your privacy and security settings so you can easily review or adjust them.

"We're also making it easier to access Incognito mode in our most popular apps, by long-pressing on your profile picture in Search, Maps and YouTube," said Pichai.