Google Maps has unveiled new updates designed to offer users enhanced control over their personal information, providing more transparency and flexibility in managing location data.
The navigation app is set to introduce features that allow users to delete specific location-related activities and access location controls more conveniently.
This illustration picture shows Google map application displaying medical facility or a COVID-19 testing center on a smartphone in Arlington, Virginia on June 9, 2020
Managing Recent Activity on Google Maps
One of the upcoming changes on Google Maps includes the ability for users to view and manage their recent activity associated with specific places. This feature allows users to easily delete searches, directions, visits, and shares related to a particular location with just a few taps.
In a blog post, Marlo McGriff, Director of Product at Google Maps, highlighted the significance of these updates in providing users with more control over their personal information.
The Timeline feature, which helps users remember places they have visited, relies on Location History settings. For users who have opted to turn on Location History, their Timeline will soon be saved directly on their device, granting them increased control over their data.
Users can continue to delete all or part of their information at any time or disable the setting entirely. McGriff also emphasized the importance of data security, mentioning that users can choose to back up their data to the cloud when getting a new phone or concerned about potential data loss.
Google also ensures automatic encryption of backed-up data for enhanced privacy.
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Google Maps' Auto-Delete for Location History
Another notable change on Google Maps involves the auto-delete control for Location History, which will default to three months instead of the previous 18 months.
This means that data older than three months will be automatically deleted. Users who prefer to retain their memories on the Timeline for a longer period can adjust the auto-delete controls accordingly.
"Say you're planning a surprise birthday party, and you get directions to a nearby bakery to pick up the cake. Soon, you'll be able to see all your recent activity on Maps related to the bakery in one central place, and easily delete your searches, directions, visits, and shares with just a few taps. The ability to delete place-related activity from Maps starts rolling out on Android and iOS in the coming weeks," McGriff said.
The gradual rollout of these updates is expected to take place over the next year on Android and iOS platforms. Users will receive notifications when these changes become available for their accounts.
Google Maps is also introducing new controls accessible from the blue dot, representing the user's location on the map. Tapping the blue dot will give users a quick overview of whether their Location History or Timeline settings are activated and whether Google Maps has access to their device's location. This feature aims to enhance user awareness and control over their location-related preferences.
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