Report: Google Tracks Location Data Even If You've Opted Out

Google services on mobile devices are tracking and storing user location data even if your privacy settings forbid information technology, according to an investigative report published by the Associated Press.

The report, confirmed by reckoner science researchers at Princeton, found a privacy issue with Google's Location History setting affecting ii billion Android devices and hundreds of millions of iOS devices where consumers rely on Google Maps or search apps. The AP investigation found that even if users have "paused" the Location History feature on mobile devices, Google apps and services volition continue to salve your location data.

Apps such as Google Maps enquire for permission when using location information for tasks including navigation. Google told AP that information technology uses Location History, Web and App Activity, and device-level location services to "improve people's location experience" and said it provides descriptions and controls to turn them off. However, the study found that even when users interruption Location History on mobile devices, Google connected to store minute-by-minute location data.

According to the report, this extends non but to Google Maps but to services such equally automatic daily weather updates on Android, and Google searches that record geolocation information. The AP created a visual map showing tracked location data from its investigation. The report posits that much of this location-based tracking data may be useful to Google to drive advertising revenue.

A Google spokesperson provided PCMag with the following statement on the AP report:

"Location History is a Google product that is entirely opt in, and users have the controls to edit, delete, or turn it off at whatsoever time. Every bit the story notes, we make certain Location History users know that when they disable the production, we continue to utilize location to improve the Google experience when they practise things like perform a Google search or use Google for driving directions."

Google's back up page has instructions on how to manage or delete your location history.

About Rob Marvin

Rob Marvin

Rob Marvin is PCMag's Associate Features Editor. He writes features, news, and trend stories on all style of emerging technologies. Beats include: startups, business and venture majuscule, blockchain and cryptocurrencies, AI, augmented and virtual reality, IoT and automation, legal cannabis tech, social media, streaming, security, mobile commerce, M&A, and entertainment. Rob was previously Banana Editor and Associate Editor in PCMag'south Business organisation department. Prior to that, he served as an editor at SD Times. He graduated from Syracuse University's Southward.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. You tin besides find his business and tech coverage on Entrepreneur and Fox Business. Rob is also an unabashed nerd who does occasional entertainment writing for …