In today’s digital age, our online activities are constantly being tracked, stored, and analysed by multinational companies like Google Facebook YouTube and others. While this can enhance user experience by personalising services, it also raises significant concerns about privacy and security.
Luckily for us Australians, we have strong privacy laws that protects us better than other countries, however, without thoroughly understanding our rights we may give away parts of our privacy without even realising what Google or other companies do with our personal data
In this blog post, The Electronic Fix team will walk you through the process of deleting your Google My Activity completely and explain why online privacy is more important than ever. Understanding how-to manage and delete your Google account activity data is the crucial step in taking control of your online presence.
What is Google My Activity?
My Activity (previously ‘Google History’) is a tool that allows users to view and manage the data Google collects about their online activities. This includes search history, YouTube watch history, location history, your interest, and other interaction details kept on your Google account. While this data can be useful for personalising your experience, it also represents a potential privacy risk if not understood and managed correctly.
Why Should Australians Care About Online Privacy?
Australia, like many other countries, has seen a significant increase in cyber threats and data breaches in recent years. According to the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) cybercrime reports have surged in 2025, with individuals and businesses alike becoming targets. Here are a few reasons why Australians need to prioritise online privacy:
- Protection from Identity Theft: Your online activity can reveal sensitive information, such as your location, interests, and even financial details. If this data is accessed by malicious actors, it can lead to identity theft and fraud. Remember Medibank and Optus data breach?
- Preventing Data Misuse: Companies often use your data for targeted advertising, but there’s always a risk that this information could be sold or shared with third parties without your consent.
- Compliance with Australian Privacy Laws: Australia has strict privacy laws, such as the Privacy Act 1988, which regulate how personal information is collected and used. By managing your online data, you can ensure compliance with these regulations. Visit to learn more about Australian Privacy Principles.
- Maintaining Digital Freedom: In an era of increasing electronic surveillance, protecting your online privacy is essential for maintaining your digital freedom and autonomy.
How-to Delete Google My Activity
Deleting your my activity data is a straightforward process, here’s how step-by-step:
Step 1: Sign in to Your Google Account
Go to myaccount.google.com and sign in with your Google credentials.
Step 2: Navigate to My Activity
Once signed in, click on the Data & privacy link in the left-hand menu (when laptop or desktop is used) (on Android device you’ll see a tab menu). Scroll down to the History settings section and click on My Activity.
Step 3: Review Your Activity
On the My Google Activity page, you’ll see a timeline of your Google activity. You can filter by date (Last hour, Last day, All time, Custom range) or Product (e.g. Search, YouTube, Google TV etc.) review specific time-frame and Google Product data you want deleted.
Step 4: Delete Your Activity History
To delete specific activities, check the accompanying checkbox for specific Google Product, or, simply “Select All” and press on “Delete” button.
On the next screen, simply confirm your choices.
Step 5: Analyse and Delete Other Activity
At this stage you’ve deleted most Google Product activity (e.g., Web & App Activity, YouTube history etc.) but there could be more activity history Google has on you. It is absolutely critical to check and delete any other activity when you want to completely erase all google account activity history. Simply visit Other Activity controls section, analyse other activities according to how you used Google to delete those as well.
Step 6: Turn Off Activity Tracking and Auto Delete
To manage or prevent Google from tracking your activity in the future, go back to the Activity controls section and “Turn off” tracking options for Web & App Activity, Location History, YouTube History or for Personalised ads. You can also use “Auto Delete” feature to maintain better control of your Google History.
Additional Tips for Protecting Your Online Privacy
While deleting your Google My Activity is a great start, there are other steps you can take to further protect your online privacy:
- Use Strong Passwords: Create unique, complex passwords for each of your online accounts and consider using a password manager in 2025 (simple rule of thumb: if you can remember your own Google password, that means, it may not be strong enough).
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Adding an extra layer of security to your account can help prevent unauthorised access.
- Be Cautious Using Public Wi-Fi: everyone loves the tropical Queensland beaches, and sometimes may need to use public wi-fi in Brisbane, however, avoid accessing sensitive information when connected to public Wi-Fi networks, as they are almost always unsecured.
- Regularly Update Your Software: Keep your devices and apps up to date to protect against the latest security vulnerabilities. Our specialist computer technicians The Electronic Fix in Brisbane can answer your online security questions and assist with your online security needs.
- Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the latest online threats and privacy best practices. Regularly visit our blog to learn more.
Online Privacy in 2025 and Beyond
In a world where our lives are increasingly connected to technology and smartphone usage, taking control of your digital footprint is more important than ever before. By learning how to delete your online activity history and adopting good online security habits, you can protect your privacy and reduce the risk of cyber threats. For us Australians, this is not just a personal responsibility but also a necessary step in safeguarding our digital future.
Talk to Brisbane’s Trusted Computer Technicians
Here at The Electronic Fix we treat our valued customers online privacy with utmost respect, offering wide range of services including laptop security audit, data recovery and all types of laptop repairs including screen replacement in Brisbane Australia. Talk to (07) 3613 0029 our expert for all your IT needs.
