Google Maps is undergoing a significant change in the way it handles location data. Instead of utilizing cloud storage, Google will now store this data directly on users’ devices. This shift will have implications for how users interact with their travel history and location tracking.
Transition to On-Device Storage
Google communicated this change to users via email, notifying them that they have until December 1st to save their travel history to their mobile devices before the old data is deleted. The feature known as Timeline, previously called Location History, will no longer be tied to users’ Google accounts but will be linked to the specific devices they use. This alteration was initially announced in December 2023 as part of Google’s commitment to enhancing user privacy.
Google has taken steps to increase privacy protection by deleting sensitive location data from services like location history. The company removed locations such as abortion clinics, domestic violence shelters, and weight loss centers from the platform. Additionally, Maps has been updated to prevent authorities from accessing users’ location history. These changes align with Google’s broader effort to prioritize user privacy and data security.
With the transition to on-device storage, users will lose the ability to access their Timeline from web browsers starting in December. To continue using Timeline, users must adjust their settings within the Google Maps app on their mobile devices. By selecting the appropriate options, users can choose to either retain their location data indefinitely until manual deletion or opt for automatic deletion after a set timeframe, such as three, 18, or 36 months.
Ensuring Data Retention
To ensure the retention of their location data, users need to take proactive steps by accessing the Your Timeline feature in Google Maps. By following the prompts within the app, users can specify their preferred data retention settings. This will enable Google to keep the desired information on users’ devices, aligning with the new on-device storage approach.
Google’s shift towards on-device storage for location data in Maps reflects a broader trend towards enhanced privacy and data security. By empowering users to control their data retention settings and prioritizing the protection of sensitive information, Google is taking proactive steps to safeguard user privacy in an increasingly digital world.
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