It’s never a dull moment being with Google, as they’re always the active player in introducing new updates. Google are introducing Google Maps 5 privacy-focused updates to the platform after the AI upgrade of 5 new features. Google Maps 5 privacy-focused updates offer enhanced control over personal information. Besides, they mark a significant step in prioritising user privacy within the popular navigation and mapping application. Let’s delve into the details of these advancements that aim to provide users with a more secure and personalised mapping experience.
Google Maps 5 Privacy-Focused Updates
1. Location Data: More Control
On Tuesday, Google announced their plan to store users’ location data directly on their devices, emphasising this as a measure to provide users with greater control over their data. It’s noteworthy that the location history setting will be deactivated by default, allowing users to delete specific portions or the entirety of their location timeline whenever they choose or opt to disable the setting entirely.
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2. Change in Location History Policy
Google have revealed their decision to establish a default timeline of three months for automatically deleting location history, signifying that data exceeding this timeframe will be deleted automatically. Prior to this enhancement, Google Maps data was programmed to auto-delete after 18 months by default. Nevertheless, users retain the option to extend the duration of their location history or deactivate the auto-delete settings as per their preference.
3. Erase All Data Linked to a Particular Location
In the upcoming update, Google Maps users will have the capability to effortlessly erase all data associated with their recent activity at a particular location on Maps. Beyond the existing feature of removing location data within the Maps app, these new settings will enable users to eliminate data linked to Google web and app activity collectively, as reported by The Verge.
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4. End-To-End Encryption on Cloud
Google announced that one of the Google Maps 5 privacy-focused updates is a new feature allowing users to safeguard their location data by backing it up to the cloud, ensuring protection against potential loss. The data stored in the cloud will be subjected to end-to-end encryption, ensuring exclusive access for the end user and preventing unauthorised access. This feature is highlighted as especially beneficial for users transitioning to a new phone or facing the risk of losing their current device, offering an added layer of security for their location information.
5. The Blue Dot Change
Google have updated the Maps app, expanding the functionality of the blue dot, traditionally indicating a user’s location. Now, tapping on the blue dot provides users with easy access to essential privacy settings. Users can quickly check whether their location history or timeline settings are enabled and confirm whether Google Maps has access to their device’s location. This enhancement offers a more accessible way for users to manage and monitor their privacy preferences directly through the Maps interface.
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When Will Google Maps 5 Privacy-Focused Updates Be Released?
Google have announced that Google Maps 5 privacy-focused updates will be gradually introduced to Android and iOS users in the coming weeks. Users can expect to receive notifications when the update becomes available for their accounts.
In a blog post detailing the upcoming Google Maps 5 privacy-focused updates, Google expressed their commitment to safeguarding users’ personal location information, emphasising the importance of keeping it safe, private, and under users’ control. The aim is to alleviate concerns about data privacy, allowing users to focus more on exploring new places, navigating to destinations, and spending time with friends, all with the assistance of Google Maps.
More Focus on Privacy and Security
Addressing cybersecurity concerns has consistently been a crucial focus for technology companies. The increasing incidents of malicious online scams and threats have significantly raised public awareness about this ongoing issue. Moreover, within a specific context, these challenges have influenced people’s heightened awareness of privacy matters in public spaces and their social interactions. Consequently, numerous organisations are implementing various privacy and security measures to bolster users’ online safety.
Meta have been a notable tech giant that has prioritised addressing this concern, evident in the reinforced security and privacy updates for their WhatsApp and Messenger platforms. Google are now following suit to enhance their privacy and security measures. The recent Google Maps 5 privacy-focused updates holds particular significance since Google Maps inherently discloses our precise location, posing a potential risk in terms of location tracking.
The Verge’s perspective on the Google Maps 5 privacy-focused updates is noteworthy, especially in acknowledging the utility for individuals facing domestic abuse. The enhanced features enable quick removal of all traces of activity related to a specific location. The current process might give the impression that erasing an entry from the Timeline removes all evidence of a visit, but that may not be entirely accurate.
Final Say
The 5 updates introduced to Google Maps contribute to heightened personal privacy by allowing users to disable the storage of location data and location timeline. While anticipating the release of the Google Maps update in the coming weeks, explore the recent updates on Discord as well. Dive into this article for insights, and stay connected with us on Facebook and Instagram for upcoming tech updates.