Google Maps has completely changed the way people navigate the
world. Without having to pay a dime, as we have discussed at length in the past, and sometimes Google collects far more data than most people are aware. Google’s
various services always detail data collection in their terms and
conditions, but we all know just about no one actually reads those
lengthy jargon-filled disclaimers.
users are able to find almost any
location on the planet, learn about it, and even navigate to it. Of
course, “free” always comes at a price with Google
When it comes to Google Maps in particular, you might be shocked at how much private data the app collects — even while it’s not open.
FROM EARLIER: The truth about Google and evil
I hope you’re sitting down right now. Ready? Click this link: https://maps.google.com/locationhistory/
Yeah, I know.
Google’s mobile Maps apps for Android and the iPhone track everywhere you go. Every single day. All of the time.
It can be jarring when you first realize how much data Google Maps is
collecting, and how precise it is, of course. Even when the app is
closed, your every move is tracked and stored on Google’s servers. Every
day, every week, every year.
This data is put to use in a number of ways. It helps Google better
tailor its services to each individual user, and it also obviously helps
Google build a more accurate advertising profile of each user. If the
cons of the latter point outweigh the pros of the former, don’t worry;
you can opt out of Google Maps location tracking quickly and easily.
Here’s how:
In Google Maps for the iPhone:
- Drag the tab in the bottom left corner to the right to slide open the menu and then tap “Settings.”
- Tap “Location History,” then “Location History” again.
- Check the box next to “Do not store,” then tap the back arrow.
- Tap “Location Reporting.”
- Check the box next to “Do not report.”
In Google Maps for Android:
- Drag the tab in the bottom left corner to the right to slide open the menu and then tap “Settings.”
- Tap “Google location settings.”
- Under “Location Services,” tap “Google Location Reporting.”
- Tap “Location Reporting”
- Slide the toggle to “Off,” then tap the back arrow.
- Tap “Location History.”
- Slide the toggle to “Off.”
That’s it! You can now rest easy knowing that Google is no longer keeping a record of every single location you visit.
Those looking for a little added peace of mind can also delete all of
the location history Google has already stored on its servers. Simply visit this page on Google’s site and click the “Delete all history” link in the menu on the left side.
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