Google Maps is getting a major privacy overhaul, giving users more control over their data and location history. As per a recent announcement, the tech major is making changes to how it controls users’ data. Starting soon, users will have the right to opt out of sharing their location history. It is turned off by default, but enabling meant Google could store details about your visits and their timestamps on its servers. However, Google will soon phase it out, giving users greater control over their privacy.
It had become a privacy concern and was linked to controversial “geofence warrants.” These warrants required the tech major to share location history data with local and federal authorities. Forbes reported that the new update will affect geofence warrants. Moreover, starting soon, Google will automatically delete Location History data for new users every 3 months, as opposed to the current 18-month default. This adds an extra layer of control to users’ hands.
Google will not store your location history on its servers anymore
Google is discontinuing the storage of location history on its servers. It previously stored details of users’ past visits on its servers. However, Google’s updated privacy policy specifies that it will store data locally rather than on the company’s servers. Notably, even when users choose to back up location data, Google will encrypt the data to ensure that neither they nor anyone else can access it. It will roll out next year for both Android and iOS users.
How would Google’s updated policy affect geofence warrants?
As we said, Google’s upcoming change could potentially block a controversial surveillance technique used by police: geofence warrants, an unnamed company executive confirmed to Forbes. These warrants allowed authorities to gather location data from Maps users near crime scenes, raising privacy concerns. With location data now stored on-device or encrypted, Google won’t be able to comply with these warrants, potentially hindering investigations. Nevertheless, it’s a major win for privacy advocates.