Google Maps has recently announced a significant change in the way it handles your location data. Instead of storing this information in the cloud, Google will now save it locally on your device. This shift is part of the company’s broader efforts to enhance user privacy and security.
The feature previously known as Location History, now called Timeline, is responsible for tracking your routes and trips based on your phone’s location. This allows you to revisit past places you have been. However, Google’s new approach involves linking this data directly to the devices you use, rather than tying it to your Google account.
In response to growing privacy concerns, Google has taken steps to increase data protection. The company started deleting sensitive locations, such as abortion clinics, domestic violence shelters, and weight loss centers, from location history. Additionally, Google has updated Maps to prevent unauthorized access to location history by authorities.
Users have until December 1st to save all their travel history to their mobile devices. After this date, Google will begin deleting any old data that has not been transferred. If users fail to enable the new Timeline settings, Google will automatically move the past 90 days of travel history to the first device they sign in to and delete any data older than that.
To continue using the Timeline feature, users must open Google Maps on their mobile devices, click on their profile picture in the top-right corner, and select Your Timeline. From there, users can choose to keep their location data indefinitely or set a specific timeframe for Google to automatically delete it after three, 18, or 36 months.
As Google implements these changes to enhance user privacy, it is important for users to stay informed and take action to preserve their travel history. By understanding the new storage methods and accessing the updated Timeline settings, users can continue to benefit from the features offered by Google Maps while maintaining control over their personal data.