Hey everyone,
I’ve been using online spreadsheets for a while now, but I’m starting to worry about privacy. Do you think big tech companies might be looking at the stuff we put in our documents?
It’s pretty handy to have everything in the cloud, but I’m not sure if I’m comfortable with the idea of my info being used for who knows what. I’d hate to stop using such a useful tool, but my privacy concerns are growing.
What do you guys think? Is this something we should be worried about, or am I just being paranoid? Has anyone else thought about this or maybe switched to a different service because of it?
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. Thanks!
I’ve grappled with this issue too. From my experience working in tech, while companies like Google may not actively snoop through your spreadsheets, they certainly have the capability to analyze data patterns and usage metrics.
I’ve taken to using local spreadsheet software for anything truly sensitive - financials, personal info, etc. For collaborative projects and less sensitive stuff, I still use cloud services, but I’m more mindful about what goes in there.
One thing that’s helped me feel more secure is regularly reviewing and tightening my account security settings. Two-factor authentication, limiting third-party access, and occasionally auditing which apps have permissions has given me more peace of mind.
Ultimately, it comes down to weighing convenience against privacy concerns. No perfect solution, but being aware and taking some precautions goes a long way.
yea, google prob does collect some data. i switched to libreoffice for my personal stuff. it’s not as fancy, but at least i know my data stays on my computer. for work stuff i still use google sheets tho. guess we gotta pick our battles with privacy these days
While Google’s privacy policies state they don’t sell personal information, it’s wise to be cautious with sensitive data in cloud services. I’ve started using encrypted spreadsheet alternatives for confidential information. For less sensitive data, I still use Google Sheets but am mindful of what I input. It’s a balance between convenience and privacy. Consider your specific needs and risk tolerance when deciding. Reading the terms of service carefully can also provide clarity on how your data might be used.