The new upgrades will provide users with greater transparency and control over their location data, improving the overall user experience.
New Delhi,UPDATED: Dec 13, 2023 12:47 IST
Google has always relied on location data to deliver its service across Google Maps. This data enables the company to provide features such as turn-by-turn directions and personalised recommendations for a better user experience. However, the collection of location data has also sparked concerns about privacy. To address this, Google has announced a range of new features that will give them greater control over their location data in Maps.
The new feature will be rolled out alongside existing features like auto-delete and Incognito mode on Google Maps. According to the company, the new features have been designed to offer users with greater transparency and allow them to maintain control over their personal data, ensuring its safety and privacy.
Timeline feature
The first significant update to Google Maps is the Timeline Feature. The new feature will now allow users to view past locations and experiences by saving the data directly on their device. This update powered by the Location History setting will provide users with more ownership and control over their data, allowing them to delete all or part of their Timeline information at any time or disable the setting entirely.
For those who want to keep their Timeline memories, Google is also offering an option to back up the data to the cloud. This backup data will be automatically encrypted by Google, ensuring the confidentiality of your information. This feature will allow users to backup their data if they switch to a new phone.
Additionally, Google has updated the default auto-delete control for Location History to three months (previously this option was set to 18 months-) giving users more control over how long their data is stored.
Option to delete activity data related to specific places
Google is also now allowing users to view and delete all their recent activity related to a specific place. This will include searches, directions, visits, and shares, all accessible through a centralised location within Maps.
This new feature will allow users to easily manage their privacy and maintain control over their location footprint.
Access to key location controls
Another important update is that Google is giving the blue dot, which represents the location in Maps, more controls. With the new update, Google will now allow users to easily access key location controls by tapping the blue dot.
The key location controls will show information such as a quick overview of Location History and Timeline settings, as well as permissions for Maps to access the device’s location. Additionally, users will be able to see whether Maps has access to their device’s location, further enhancing transparency and control over data usage.
Google notes that it is gradually rolling out these updates on Android and iOS platforms throughout the year, and users will receive a notification when the update becomes available for their accounts.
Published By:
Divya Bhati
Published On:
Dec 13, 2023
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