I suspect they are finally losing enough search engine and periphery market share that they have pulled the spin doctors out for some PR (opaganda).

Google also said they would keep your information private and not scour your emails. Google is on the top right now but as people start changing their habits, Google will start making even more promises. Google has PR problem.The just don't want to admit it.

Only way to avoid spies is to dump all tech and live off grid in the woods.

yeah sure...

typing in notepad on my mobile phone... then fucking android prompts me.... " we need access to your contacts and microphone and camera and gps"....

sure thing..

Maybe they found a really good deal on user data an no longer need to do it in house.