Secret Google map monitors your movements all the time – unless you turn it off!
Google always knows where you are or where you’ve been – going back years! A hidden Google feature has tracked your location for years.
Big Google is watching you!
Google’s Location Log feature, an account-wide service that logs your movements via your smartphone, has been storing the real-world comings and goings of millions of users since it was introduced in 2009. While knowing that your movements are being monitored by one of the biggest tech companies in the world may be unsettling, it’s unlikely to have any nefarious intentions, and location history should actually be helpful. Google claims that it can provide a better service by knowing where you’ve been, giving you more detailed advice on your commute, recommendations based on places you’ve visited, and more relevant ads – but, despite everything, you’re being tracked closely!
High privacy risks!
If this news prompts you to turn off Google location logging, you’re not alone, because storing your location data online poses significant privacy risks. For this reason, Google has stated that the Location Logging feature is turned off by default and can only be enabled with the user’s permission.
However, it is very easy to accidentally enable Google Location Log, especially when using Google Maps.
Here’s how to disable Google Location Log
.
First, go to myactivity.google.com and sign in to your account using your Google credentials. After you log in, select “Location Log” and turn it off.
However, this will only stop the Google location log, it will not clear previous data which can be accessed at maps.google.com/timeline. This data can also be deleted in the location settings.
Even when the location log is paused, your location may still be stored in your Google Account when you use other Google sites, apps, and services like Google Maps. Depending on your camera app settings, it may also be included in your photos.
To truly stop Google tracking, you’ll also need to turn off web and app activity tracking, which can also be done here.