Google bug sent videos from Google Photos to strangers

Bug in Google Takeout accidentally allowed users to download videos that weren’t theirs

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Googlehas begun notifying some users that videos stored in theirGoogle Photosaccounts were accidentally shared with others as the result of a bug in another one of the company’s services.

The search giant recently began sending out email notifications to users in which it explained that a bug had led to their videos being included in other user’s data when downloaded through the company’sGoogle Takeoutservice.

In a statement to9to5Google, a Google spokesperson provided further insight on the incident, saying:

“We are notifying people about a bug that may have affected users who used Google Takeout to export theirGoogle Photoscontent between November 21 and November 25. These users may have received either an incomplete archive, or videos — not photos — that were not theirs. We fixed the underlying issue and have conducted an in-depth analysis to help prevent this from ever happening again. We are very sorry this happened.”

Google Takeout

Google Takeout allows users to download their data fromGoogle appsfor backup purposes or to use with other services. The service can retrieve content from Google Photos, Drive, Hangouts,YouTubeand many other Google products.

Before the company fixed the bug, some users who downloaded their data using Google Takeout may have received other people’s videos in their Google Photos data archive.

Google recommends that any users who received videos that aren’t theirs, should just delete them.

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While convenient, storing yourprivate data in the clouddoes come with some risks and this bug illustrates how your private information can be exposed without your knowledge.

ViaBleepingComputer

After working with the TechRadar Pro team for the last several years, Anthony is now the security and networking editor at Tom’s Guide where he covers everything from data breaches and ransomware gangs to the best way to cover your whole home or business with Wi-Fi. When not writing, you can find him tinkering with PCs and game consoles, managing cables and upgrading his smart home.

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