Google is deleting users’ previously visited locations, following through on a promise to reduce the amount of personal data it stores. The company’s “timeline” feature, formerly known as Location History, will continue to work for those who choose to use it, but the data will be saved locally on the user’s own devices, rather than on Google’s servers. Users have until December 1 to save their old trips before they are permanently deleted.
While users can still back up their data if they wish to sync it between devices, this will no longer happen automatically. Google is also reducing the default storage time for location history from a year and a half to just three months. In a blog post, the company emphasized the importance of privacy, stating that they never sell users’ data, including to advertisers.
The move comes amid growing concerns about preserving location privacy, particularly in response to government surveillance requests. Google faced criticism for storing enough information in its Location History to potentially reveal sensitive details, such as visits to abortion clinics. The company pledged to remove such information to protect user privacy, but an investigation later found that the data still contained enough details to identify specific locations.
Overall, Google’s decision to delete users’ location history reflects a broader shift towards prioritizing privacy and data security. By storing this information locally on user devices and reducing the default storage time, the company aims to give users greater control over their personal data. This move also aligns with increasing regulatory scrutiny and public demand for more transparent data practices from tech companies.
Article Source
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/article/2024/jun/06/google-to-start-permanently-deleting-users-location-history