What Does Google Do with My Phone Number

In today’s interconnected digital world, privacy concerns have become paramount, especially when it comes to sharing personal information with tech giants like Google. One of the pieces of data that users often provide to Google is their phone number. But what exactly does Google do with your phone number, and should you be concerned about its usage?

Account Recovery

One of the primary reasons Google collects your phone number is for account recovery purposes. In case you forget your password or get Korea phone number data locked out of your account, Google can use your phone number to send you verification codes, allowing you to regain access to your account. This security measure adds an extra layer of protection against unauthorized access.

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Google strongly encourages users to enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for their accounts. Your phone number can be linked to your account to provide an additional layer of security. When you log in from an unfamiliar device, Google will send a verification code to your phone via SMS, ensuring that even if someone has your password, they can’t access your account without the second factor – the code sent to your phone.

Personalized Services

Google uses your phone number to enhance its services. For instance, it can be used to personalize search results and recommendations. Making BTC Data Base US them more relevant to your location and preferences. This feature can be convenient. But it also raises concerns about how much data Google is collecting to build a detailed profile of you.

Ad Targeting

While Google claims not to use your number directly for ad targeting, it can still indirectly influence the ads you see. Google’s algorithms gather data from various sources, including your search history, location, and online behavior. Your number might not be the sole factor, but it could contribute to refining the ads that are displayed to you.