Google knows your date of birth because you provide it when creating a Google account. This information is essential for several reasons, including age-appropriate settings and compliance with certain laws.
How Google Collects Your Date of Birth
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Account Creation: When you sign up for a new Gmail or Google account, you're required to provide your date of birth. This is the primary method Google uses to obtain this information. [Source: While you are creating a new Gmail - Google account, you fill the details of your birthday. 19-Oct-2023]
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Account Verification: Google might request your date of birth to verify your age for specific services or to comply with legal requirements, particularly for age-restricted content. [Source: To verify your age on your Google Account... Sign in to your Google Account privacy page. Click Personal info. Click Birthday. - YouTube Help] Ignoring these requests might lead to account suspension. [Source: It is much easier to provide the verification now, than after the account is suspended. - Google Support Thread]
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Age-Appropriate Settings: Knowing your birthday allows Google to tailor your experience. For example, it helps set age-appropriate settings for YouTube and other Google services. [Source: When you sign up for a Google Account, you may be asked to add your birthday. Knowing your birthday helps us use age-appropriate settings for your account. - Seattle Times]
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Targeted Advertising (Indirectly): While Google doesn't directly use your birthday for targeted ads, your age range (deduced from the date of birth you provided) contributes to the profile Google creates for advertising purposes. [Source: Information, stored as cookies by your browser are used to create a profile that can include your likely age, sex and lifestyle. - The Telegraph]
Accessing and Modifying Your Birthday Information
You can access and modify your date of birth information through your Google Account settings. You can find instructions on how to do this through Google's help pages. [Source: Open the link and Sign in, https://myaccount.google.com/personal-info Follow the instructions, https://photos.app.goo.gl/cpbDGwGm4PdSmHERA - Google Account Community]
Privacy Concerns
While providing your date of birth is necessary for certain Google services, it's important to be mindful of your online privacy. Google's privacy policy outlines how it handles your data, including your date of birth. Reviewing this policy is recommended to understand how your information is used.
