Google permanently deletes location history, what does it mean?

Google Announces the Permanent Deletion of Location History

Google has announced that it will permanently delete the location history stored on its servers.
This deletion represents a significant advancement in personal data protection, offering users greater control over their information and addressing growing concerns about privacy and the use of personal data.

Changes in Location History After the Announcement

Google will soon permanently delete location history.
But what exactly is location history? It is an setting within Google Account that tracks and stores the places visited by users and the routes taken with their devices.
This feature allows Google to create a personal map called “Timeline,” enabling users to review visited places, routes, and travels.

Location history contributes to enhancing the user experience on Google by providing personalized suggestions, real-time traffic information, and details on location-based activities such as local events or nearby points of interest.

Viewing Location History on Google

To view location history on Google, users need to access the “Timeline” feature in Google Maps:
1.
Open Google Maps on the device
2.
Tap the profile icon or photo in the top right corner
3.
Select “Timeline” from the menu

In this section, users can see a map with their recent movements, visited places, and routes taken.

Activating or Deactivating Location History

Location history is turned off by default but can be activated or deactivated at any time.
Users can do so by accessing their account, navigating to the location history section, and clicking on the switch at the top.
This can be done for the entire account or for individual devices associated with the account.

Deleting Location History

Users can manage and delete location history data through Google Maps’ “Timeline.” It is possible to choose to delete the entire history or only parts of it.
By accessing the account and going to the “Timeline” section, users can touch the menu icon (three vertical dots) and select “Settings and Privacy.” Here, users can decide to delete the entire history or only specific parts of it.

Google’s Announcement on Permanent Deletion of Location History

Google recently announced that it will permanently delete the location history stored on its servers.
This decision is part of a broader commitment to reduce the amount of personal data stored on users.
Starting from December 1st, all old travel data will be deleted, but users will still have the option to locally back up their data on their devices.

This move responds to growing privacy concerns and pressures to protect users’ personal data from unauthorized access or government surveillance requests.
Google emphasized that location information will be stored locally on users’ devices and will no longer be archived on the company’s servers by default.

Additionally, the default storage period for location history will be reduced to just three months.
This change marks a step toward greater user privacy protection but also signifies the loss of some functionalities offered by Google, such as location-based suggestions and real-time traffic information.