A recent internal database leak has brought to light Google’s questionable data collection practices, sparking concerns about the tech giant’s dedication to user privacy. The database, spanning from 2013 to 2018, exposes various incidents where personal data was collected and stored across different Google apps and products, including Waze, YouTube, and AdWords.

Despite Google’s claims of prioritizing transparency, the leaked database tells a different story. Reports within the database, ranked by priority, detail instances of data collection that were often kept hidden from the public eye. Some incidents even involved sensitive information like recording children’s voices through Gboard’s microphone and gathering license plate details via Street View.

While Google states that these issues have been addressed, the sheer number and diversity of reports raise doubts about the company’s ability to protect user data effectively. This leaked database underscores the potential risks associated with Google’s extensive data collection practices.

Examples of inappropriately collected or leaked data include payment information for employees through travel agency software Sabre, addresses and trips taken via Waze’s carpool feature, and Docs files accidentally made public.

In response to the report by 404 Media, Google mentioned that the incidents are over six years old and have been reviewed and resolved. Nonetheless, their acknowledgment of “aspects” of the dataset hints at some validity behind the allegations.

This is not the first time Google has come under fire for its data practices. Recent leaks of Google Search API documents have also raised concerns about transparency in their search operations. While it may take time to fully analyze this particular leak’s authenticity, Google has not disputed its validity when questioned.

These revelations join a growing list of privacy worries surrounding Google’s data collection methods. As awareness among users grows regarding this leaked information, it remains uncertain how this will impact the company’s reputation and future endeavors. As a result, it seems like Google has some damage control ahead of them.