Google to start permanently deleting users’ location history

 Google Maps to start permanently deleting user location history

Google Maps will permanently delete users' location history, enhancing privacy and reducing stored personal data. Tech firm earlier committed to storing less data about individuals in response to privacy concerns. Google will delete everything it knows about users’ previously visited locations, the company has said, a year after it committed to reducing the amount of personal data it stores about users. Google has announced a significant step towards enhancing user privacy by permanently deleting users’ previously visited locations on Google Maps. This move comes a year after the tech giant pledged to reduce the amount of personal data it retains. The decision underscores Google’s commitment to storing less data about individuals and addressing growing privacy concerns.

The “timeline” feature in Google Maps, formerly known as Location History, will continue to function for users who opt to use it. This feature allows users to review their travel history over the years. However, the crucial change is that all the data required to support this feature will now be saved locally on users’ phones or tablets instead of Google’s servers. The company’s “timeline” feature, previously known as Location History, will still work for those who choose to use it, letting them scroll back through potentially decades of travel history to check where they were at a specific time. But all the data required to make the feature work will be saved locally, to their own phones or tablets, with none of it being stored on the company’s servers.

Google has informed Maps users via email, that they have until 01 December to save their old journeys. After this date, all past location data will be permanently deleted. Users concerned about losing this data can back it up manually if they wish to synchronize it across multiple devices. However, automatic synchronization will no longer be the default setting. Users will still be able to back up their data if they’re worried about losing it or want to sync it across devices but that will no longer happen by default. In addition to these changes, Google is reducing the default duration for which location history is stored. Previously, the default setting was to retain data for a year and a half. Google will begin deleting past locations after just three months. This change aims to enhance user privacy and reduce the amount of personal data stored. The company is also reducing the default amount of time that location history is stored for. Google didn’t cite a specific reason for the updates, beyond suggesting that users may want to delete information from their location history if they are “planning a surprise birthday party”.

“Your location information is personal,” the company added. “We’re committed to keeping it safe, private and in your control. Remember: Google Maps never sells your data to anyone, including advertisers.” But the company has come under increasing pressure to help users preserve their location privacy in the face of aggressive law enforcement efforts to weaponise its stored information. Google’s decision to enhance privacy measures comes amid increasing pressure to protect users’ location privacy, particularly from aggressive law enforcement actions. For instance, “dragnet” surveillance requests have compelled Google to hand over location data for every user in a specific region at a specific time. This practice often includes individuals with no connection to the crime being investigated other than a GPS signal ping.

The clashes came after the US supreme court’s overturning of Roe v Wade, which had guaranteed the right to abortion for Americans. The company committed to deleting information about searches for abortion clinics to protect women from being criminalised based on their search history. Despite these efforts, a Guardian investigation revealed that Google’s Location History could still trace a researcher’s visits to Planned Parenthood, indicating the need for stricter privacy measures. The company’s Location History still stored enough information about a researcher’s movements to uncover exactly which branch of Planned Parenthood had been visited and when, even marking the location with a pin, although it wasn’t explicitly stored as a clinic. For users who wish to preserve their location data, Google provides options to manually back up and sync their data across devices. Following is the quick guide:-

Before December 1, ensure you save any location data you wish to retain.

Utilize Google’s options to back up your location history manually.

Review and adjust your location history settings to ensure they align with your privacy preferences.

Google’s latest policy shift towards permanently deleting users’ location history marks a significant effort to prioritize user privacy. While the company continues to refine its data retention policies, users are encouraged to stay informed and take proactive steps to manage their personal data. This move not only addresses privacy concerns but also reflects the growing importance of data security in today’s digital landscape.