Do you remember what you searched on Google this time last year? Perhaps a recipe? Or how to get over a lover? Oh, hey, maybe it was something a tad embarrassing? Don’t remember? Well, Google would like to take you down memory lane with a new feature that allows you download the entire data of your previous google searches.
Before now, you could only view your Google search history, but now, you can download it and save as a JSON file (JavaScript Object Notation; a lightweight data interchange format where text editing applications such as Notepad (PC) or TextEdit (Mac) can be used to open)
Google urges users to read its warnings before any attempt at downloading these files because of the sensitive nature. The company also advises that the archive should not be downloaded on a public computer and if there is a need to export to another cloud storage service, readers should take time to read the export policy.
Also, note that the download it will only contain information from when you have had the feature switched on and were logged in with your Google account; though some users have said when this new feature was added, it automatically enabled. Run a check.
The ability to download all your searches is a handy addition to Google’s Takeout policy, which aims to make it easier for users to get at their data….but hey, your search history may be so embarrassing..
