Recently, Google changed the web search functionality in Android so that if you do a web search, tap on one of the result links, and then tap the share button to share that link, then instead of sharing the actual link it shares a “shortened” link starting with “https://share.google/” which redirects to the actual link.
The thing is, that link Google offers up for you to share isn’t just shortened, it’s also unique to you and to that particular search result. Whenever anyone you share that link with clicks on it, Google knows when you viewed that page, knows when you shared it, and knows who clicked on it and when. They are saving all of that information, and they can do whatever they want with it. It’s a huge privacy violation. You should care about that, especially if you live in the U.S. given that big tech has proven their willingness to roll over and give the Trump administration whatever it wants.
Here’s how to make it stop:
- Open the “Google” app on your phone.
- Tap your avatar in the upper right corner.
- Tap “Settings”.
- Tap “Other settings”.
- Turn off “Shorten links to web pages”.
Share and enjoy!
