Google is rolling out a significant privacy change regarding location data storage. Starting now, Google will only store your location history for 180 days before it is deleted from its cloud servers.
The change comes as part of Google’s effort to enhance privacy, moving from storing location data on the cloud to keeping it on-device.
Previously, Google’s Timeline feature tracked and stored users’ precise location data, even when Google apps weren’t in use. This data was used to personalize user experiences, including place recommendations and ads.
While Google allows users to adjust privacy settings, the change now ensures that all cloud-stored location data will be deleted after 180 days, unless users decide to back it up on their devices.
Users will receive an email notification with a 180-day countdown once the update begins. When you get the notification, it’s important to open Google Maps, review your Timeline preferences, and make any necessary adjustments. This way, Google can delete its cloud data while ensuring your on-device data remains secure.
For those concerned about losing their data when switching devices, Google assures that any backed-up location data will be encrypted for privacy.
However, experts caution that stored data can still be accessed, raising concerns about its potential use in digital forensics.
As part of a broader trend, Apple is also introducing features in iOS 18.2 to help users manage and remove location data before sharing photos, further emphasizing the importance of location privacy.
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