Google Maps is implementing a new update that will store users’ location history locally on their devices, rather than in the cloud. This change is aimed at addressing privacy concerns and making it more difficult for law enforcement to access the data.
In recent years, there have been concerns about the potential misuse of geofence warrants, which allow law enforcement agencies to gather data on mobile phones that have passed through a specific area during a certain period of time. The FBI has previously used geofence warrants to collect information on a Black Lives Matter protest in Seattle.
To combat this issue, Google has decided to store location history locally on users’ devices. This means that the company will no longer have aggregate location data to provide to law enforcement through geofence warrants. The update is expected to roll out over the next year, with the goal of ending dragnet location searches.
According to Marlo McGriff, director of product at Google Maps, the change was made to give users more control over their data. The Timeline feature in Maps, which remembers users’ previously visited locations, will be affected by this update. While location history is turned off by default, users who opt into it will now have their data stored locally.
Once the update applies to their account, users will receive a notification. The change will occur gradually on both Android and iOS versions of the Google Maps app. In addition to the update on location history, Google is also adjusting its auto-delete settings. Data will now be set to delete after three months by default, but users can still choose to back up their location data to the cloud, where it will be encrypted by Google.
Overall, this update aims to address privacy concerns and give users more control over their data. By storing location history locally, Google is making it harder for law enforcement to access the data through geofence warrants. The changes to Google Maps will be rolled out gradually over the next year, ensuring a smoother transition for users.
