Can my WiFi owner see what I search on Google?

Can Your WiFi Owner See Your Google Searches?

We all value our online privacy, and a common question arises about who can see what we’re doing online, especially when connected to someone else’s WiFi. So, can your WiFi owner see what you’re searching on Google? The short answer is no, but with a caveat.

Here’s the breakdown:

What they CAN see:

• You’re connected to the internet: Your WiFi provider (whether it’s your home network or a public one) can see that a device associated with you is online and using their network.
• Websites you visit: They can see the domains you access, like “google.com,” “facebook.com,” etc. This applies even if you’re using incognito mode.

What they CANNOT see:

• Your Google searches: Thanks to HTTPS, the secure protocol used by Google and most major websites, your search queries are encrypted. This means your WiFi provider can see you visited Google, but not the specific words you typed in.
• Anything else on secure websites: HTTPS protects all communication between your device and the website, including passwords, credit card information, and any other data you enter.

Think of it this way: Imagine sending a postcard versus a sealed letter. Anyone can see the address on the postcard (the website you’re visiting), but only the recipient can read the message inside the letter (your search query and other sensitive data protected by HTTPS).

Staying Safe:

While HTTPS offers significant protection, it’s essential to stay vigilant about online privacy:

• Use a VPN: A Virtual Private Network encrypts all your internet traffic, adding an extra layer of security even on public WiFi.
• Be mindful of public networks: Avoid accessing sensitive information like banking details on public WiFi, even with a VPN.
• Keep your devices updated: Software updates often include security patches, making it harder for anyone to exploit vulnerabilities.

In conclusion, your WiFi owner cannot see your specific Google searches due to HTTPS encryption. However, it’s always wise to practice safe browsing habits, especially on shared networks, to ensure maximum online privacy.