Google clarifies it's still tracking you, even if you opted-out
Just days after an Associated Press investigation revealed that Google tracks users even with the 'Location History' setting turned off, Google has revised its location-tracking policy. Google has now clarified that it will continue to track users through other apps and services like Search and Maps, even with 'Location History' turned off. Well, at least they're being honest about it now. Here's more.
Context: What AP had found in its investigation
On Monday, the AP investigation found that even with Location History switched off, Google stores a snapshot of a user's location every time Google Maps is opened. A similar case also holds true for Google's automatic daily weather update which uses location data irrespective of Location History settings. Additionally, un-related queries like "chocolate chip cookies" and "kids science kits" use precise locations too.
How Google's response changed within days
Google had earlier responded to AP investigation by saying, "There are a number of different ways that Google may use location to improve people's experience...We provide clear descriptions of these tools." On Thursday, Google told AP, "We have been updating the explanatory language about Location History to make it more consistent and clear across our platforms and help centers."
The clarifying change made by Google
Previously, Google's help page for the Location History setting would state, "With Location History off, the places you go are no longer stored." Now, however, the page clearly says, "This setting does not affect other location services on your device," and that "some location data may be saved as part of your activity on other services, like Search and Maps."
Yet another case of questionable data practices
The entire incident comes at a time when big tech companies are coming under increased scrutiny over their data practices, following massive data privacy scandals by social media giant Facebook, and the European Union's new data-privacy rules. Responding to the policy change, experts said that it was a step in the right direction by Google, but it could be made better.
But, here's how you can disable further tracking by Google
There are ways of preventing Google from tracking your data. To prevent Google from further tracking you (to the extent possible), open your web browser and head to myactivity.google.com. Once there, click on the triple dotted menu, click 'Activity Controls', and turn off both 'Web & App Activity' and 'Location Services'. This should prevent further tracking.
The consequences of turning off location data collection
Do remember, if you decide to switch off Google's location services as explained above, several features and devices that heavily use location data, especially Google Assistant and Google Home, will lose a significant amount of their functionalities.
How to wipe your past location data stored by Google
If you also want to erase your past location-related data, head to myactivity.google.com again, and check for entries that have a location pin beside 'Details'. Clicking on 'Details' will open a pop-up from where you can delete the activity by clicking the triple dotted icon. Notably, if you're only willing to wipe location data, this has to be done individually for each entry.
