The visibility of an individual’s YouTube viewing record is determined by account privacy settings and the user’s activity. By default, a logged-in user’s viewing history is private and accessible only to that user. However, sharing an account or leaving an account logged in on a shared device can expose this data to other users of that device.
Understanding the accessibility of this data is crucial for maintaining personal privacy and security. The potential exposure of viewing habits can reveal preferences, interests, and even personal opinions. Historically, the management of online privacy has evolved significantly, with increasing user awareness and platform controls designed to protect sensitive information.