AP finds Google location tracking remains active despite deactivation
An investigation conducted by the Associated Press into Google’s location data sharing has found that the functionality cannot be switched off, despite ostensibly offering a deactivation option amongst its privacy settings.
AP finds Google location tracking remains active despite deactivation
Users who went to the trouble of manually switching off features related to location data sharing on its applications could still be tracked when they paused Location History as several location-based apps were found to store time-stamped location data against the users wishes.
In one example the AP looked at the popular Google Maps application which automatically detects location as soon as it is activated. Another loophole was uncovered in automatic daily weather updates, which could be used to glean an approximation of an individual’s position.
Addressing these reports Google stated: “Location History is a Google product that is entirely opt in, and users have the controls to edit, delete, or turn it off at any time. As the story notes, we make sure Location History users know that when they disable the product, we continue to use location to improve the Google experience when they do things like perform a Google search or use Google for driving directions.”
Google is increasingly turning to user generated data with location-based advertising becoming an increasingly important revenue stream.
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