Google now lets you easily delete your search history

Deleting your Google search history has, previously, been a bit of a pain. So much so we even had to put a guide together to help you understand how to do it.

Now though, thanks to Google’s latest “Your Data” initiative, you can actually alter your privacy controls directly within Google Search. And, yes, this means you can delete your Google Search History with only a few clicks or taps.

The initiative comes as part of Google’s push to be more transparent on the data it collects. You’ll now be able to see what kind of data Google is gathering and then manage that. It’s part of a wider commitment from the company about helping users understand its data collection policies, and it seems as if it plans to expand such ventures in the future.

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“We’re always working on making it easier for you to understand and control your data so you can make privacy choices that are right for you,” said Eric Miraglia, Google’s director of product management for privacy and data protection. “Today, we’re making it easier for you to make decisions about your data directly within the Google products you use every day, starting with Search.

“Without ever leaving Search, you can now review and delete your recent Search activity, get quick access to the most relevant privacy controls in your Google Account, and learn more about how Search works with your data.”

Previously the best way for users to manage or review their data would have been to head to their Google Account page. “Now, we’re bringing these controls to you – from directly within Search, you can review or delete your Search activity and quickly get back to finding what you were searching for,” explained Miraglia.

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Currently, Google is supporting these new privacy controls on Google Search for desktop and mobile web. An update for the iOS and Android Google apps will come in the next few weeks, it’ll also expand into Maps next year.

Google’s decision to open up what users can see and do with their data comes at a time when tech companies are under increased pressure to openly discuss their data collection and security policies. It’s also not too surprising given that Google has had many issues with data privacy in the last few months, including a huge Google+ security flaw.

Apple has begun a similar process by expanding its personal data portal to let users review everything Apple knows about them. Facebook also offers a similar service and has done so for a few years now, but following its Cambridge Analytica issues, the tool found a new lease of life.