Google to start permanently deleting users’ location history

After Google's new policy on location data storage is implemented, the "timeline" feature will continue to function for users who choose to use it1. However, the data required to make the feature work will be saved locally on users' devices, such as phones or tablets, instead of being stored on Google's servers. Users will still be able to back up their data if they want to save it or sync it across devices, but this will no longer happen by default. Additionally, Google is reducing the default amount of time that location history is stored for, and will now begin to delete past locations after just three months, down from a previous default of a year and a half4.

Google Maps users must save their old journey data by December 1st to avoid permanent deletion. After this date, any data older than 90 days will be deleted3. Users can choose to save their data on their device and select how long they want to keep their Timeline data on their phone. They can choose to keep all data on-device until they delete it themselves, or select to have the data automatically deleted after 3 months, 18 months, or 36 months.