Google has made a major change in its user tracking, a big leap in privacy concerns for users. Google will stop the nosy cloud storage of data it gets from tracking user location in real time.
The privacy change
Called Google Maps Timeline, from December, Google will save user location data for a maximum of 180 days. After the duration ends, the data will be erased from Google Cloud servers.
The new policy means Google can only save a user’s movements and whereabouts for 6 months, the user has an option to store the data on a personal device, but the cloud data will be permanently deleted from Google servers.
The new privacy change is welcomed, smartphones can balance privacy and convenience in terms of data storage, but nothing is more important than location data.
Users can change settings that suit them best, but the majority go with default settings. The problem here arises when Google uses user data for suggesting insights (based on anonymous location data), or improving Google services like ads products.
Why important
The Google Maps Timeline feature addresses questions about data privacy and security. The good things include:
Better privacy: By restricting the storage timeline of location data on the cloud, Google can reduce data misuse. Limiting the storage duration means less historical data is exposed to threat actors if there's a breach.
More control to users: When users have the option to retain location data on their devices, it gives them ownership over their personal data. Users can choose whether to delete their location history or keep the data.
Accountability from Google: The move is a positive sign toward building transparency and trust, showing a commitment to user privacy.
How will it impact users?
Services: Google features that use location history data for tailored suggestions might be impacted, and users may observe changes in correct location-based suggestions and targeted ads.
The problem in data recovery: For users who like to store their data for a longer duration, the new move can be a problem. Users will have to self-back up data if they want to keep it for more than 180 days.
