FAQ Category: Privacy

More questions?

If you have questions about the functionality of your @my.yorku.ca email account, contact the Computing Help Desk. For general questions related to your personal information, see the University's Policy on Access to Information and Protection of Privacy or contact the Information and Privacy Office at info.privacy@yorku.ca or (416)736-2100 x20359.

Are users offered any spam protection?

Google includes spam protection with their service. Spam is automatically directed to a spam folder and purged after 30 days. The service also includes safeguards for virus checks and verifications before downloading data. However, not all spam protection is 100% effective. It is still up to you to exercise some caution when communicating with unfamiliar […]

Does Google keep any of my information permanently?

Google does not retain your information permanently.  Information such as email messages that the user deletes, and information in any closed user accounts, is permanently removed by Google from its systems as soon as reasonably practicable and within a maximum period of 180 days.

How secure is my information?

Email, by its very nature, is neither completely private nor secure, regardless of the type of system being used or where the server is located. Any email may be the target of Internet predators, which is why it is important to have a strong password and not to share your confidential information with others. Never […]

Where is my @my.yorku.ca Google account data stored?

Student account data is stored at one of Google's global facilities; access to these facilities is governed by the laws of the jurisdiction in which the data is stored, including the USA PATRIOT Act. Note that both Canada’s Privacy Commissioner and Ontario’s Information and Privacy Commissioner (pdf) have stated that privacy risks from the USA […]

Will Google log my activity or scan my content?

Google has some access to your account as explained in the Google Apps Terms of Service. Google has agreed that the University is not granting Google any rights, implied or otherwise, to content. Google is not permitted to conduct data mining. Google has also agreed that Google is not permitted to include advertising in our […]

What personal information is shared with Google?

A limited amount of student information is shared with Google in order to create a Google-powered student email account. The following personal information is provided: first name, last name, username, and email address to validate against our authentication services.

What steps has the University taken to ensure that my privacy is protected?

We have taken the appropriate steps to ensure that your privacy rights, as outlined in the University's policy on Access to Information and Protection of Privacy, are respected. Passport York passwords are not shared with Google. Our contract with Google prohibits Google’s access to email content, except to exercise rights and fulfill its obligations under […]