Google Maps location privacy update: Data stored on your phone

The changes to Google Maps' privacy policy will significantly impact users who frequently use the timeline feature. Previously, users could access their location history on both the web and in the app. However, with the shift to a more secure, on-device system, users will now only be able to access their timeline data within the Google Maps app on their devices6.

Users will have until December 1, 2024, to save their timeline information to their devices, after which Google will begin deleting location history information from their servers. This means that users who wish to retain their location history will need to take action and save their data to their devices before the deadline.

Additionally, the new approach will discontinue web access to the Timeline feature, meaning that users will no longer be able to view their location history on a computer. Instead, location data will be stored only on users' phones, and each device will have its unique timeline.

While this change enhances user privacy by storing location data on-device rather than on Google's servers, it does come with some trade-offs. Users will no longer have the ability to sync their location history across multiple devices, and in the event of a lost or stolen phone, users may lose all their stored location data if they haven't created an encrypted backup.

In summary, the changes to Google Maps' privacy policy will make the Timeline feature more secure by storing location data on-device, but will also require users who value their location history to take action to save their data and adapt to a more device-centric approach5.

Google has recently implemented several privacy changes regarding the handling of location data in Google Maps. These changes aim to give users more control over their location information and enhance privacy. The specific changes include:

1. On-device storage of location history data: Google Maps will now store location history data locally on users' devices instead of Google's servers. This change applies to both Android and iOS platforms. Users can choose to backup their data to the cloud, which will be encrypted and unreadable by anyone, including Google.

2. Opt-in Timeline feature: The Timeline feature, which keeps a history of people's locations on Google Maps, will now be opt-in. Users must enable the feature to store their location history.

3. Shorter auto-deletion default setting: Auto-deletion will be activated automatically upon turning on Location History, with the default setting changed to three months instead of the previous 18 months.

4. Option to delete activity related to specific places: Google is introducing a new option that allows users to delete activity related to specific places. This is helpful for when people want to keep their visits to a particular location private6.

5. Accessible privacy setting controls: Google Maps will enrich the blue dot that indicates the user's location with instantly accessible privacy setting controls, making it possible to change data retention policies on the fly6.

These updates are expected to roll out gradually over the coming weeks on both Android and iOS platforms, with users receiving notifications as updates become available to their accounts6. These changes provide greater controls and transparency over location data, giving users more privacy and control over their information.