Imagine having more control over your location history without worrying about who might access it.
Sounds interesting, right?
Well, Google Maps is making a significant change that puts you in charge. Let’s dive into what this means for you.
Why is Google Maps Changing How it Stores Location Data?
Have you ever wondered where all your location history data goes when you use Google Maps? Until recently, this data was stored in the cloud, meaning it could be accessed from anywhere and by anyone with the right permissions. But now, Google Maps is switching things up. Your location data will be stored directly on your device instead of on Google’s servers.
This change aims to give you more control over your personal information and make it harder for authorities to access your data through legal orders.
What is a Geofence Warrant?
You might be wondering, what exactly is a geofence warrant? Geofence warrants are used by law enforcement to request data from tech companies about mobile phones that have been in a specific area at a particular time. For example, during an investigation into attempted arson, the FBI used such a warrant to gather information about people who attended a Black Lives Matter protest in Seattle. By keeping your data on your device, Google is making it tougher for these warrants to be effective.
How is Google Maps Changing?
So, what’s changing in Google Maps?
Your location history will now be called “Timeline.” This Timeline data will be organized into categories like Trips, Places, Cities, and World (countries). Google will also provide Insights to show how far you’ve traveled using different modes of transport.
One important thing to note is that Timeline data will no longer be accessible on the web version of Google Maps. According to Google, “Since the data shown on your Timeline comes directly from your device, Timeline won’t be available on Maps on your computer after your data is moved to your phone.”
What Should You Do Next?
As Google rolls out this change worldwide, you will get a notification when it’s your turn to migrate your data. Google will send a prompt asking you to transfer your existing location history to your device using an updated app button. If you don’t act on this, your Timeline data will be deleted.
What Does This Mean for You?
This new approach means more privacy and control over your location data. By keeping your data on your device, you can better manage who has access to it. Plus, it adds a layer of security, making it harder for authorities to obtain your information through geofence warrants.
Isn’t it reassuring to know that you have more say over your personal information? Will this change make you feel more secure while using Google Maps? Share this article with friends and family to let them know about this important update.