With the location history data storage change, Google aims to give users more control over their location data. It is also aimed to make it difficult for law authorities to access data from Google Maps via geofence warrants.
What are geofence warrants?
Geofence warrants, used by law enforcement authorities allow them to fetch the data of tech companies on mobile phones that have passed through a certain area during a specific time period. For instance, as part of a past investigation into attempted arson, the FBI used the warrant to collect information about a Black Lives Matters protest in Seattle, US.
What is the new Google Maps change?
As part of the change, location history on Google Maps will now be termed ‘Timeline’. The data is now grouped into Trips, Places, Cities, and World (countries). Google will also generate Insights to tell users how far they traveled on a particular mode of transport.
It is noteworthy to state here that timeline or location history data on Google Maps will no longer be available on web version.
“Since the data shown on your Timeline comes directly from your device, Timeline won’t be available on Maps on your computer after your data is moved to your phone,” the company says.
As mentioned above, Google is rolling out the changes to Google Map users worldwide. Google will notify users once it is available on their device. It will send a prompt message asking users to migrate the existing location history to the device via an updated app button. In case a user fails to do so, the Timeline data will be deleted.
