Google Maps is adding three new features to improve location data control. First, devices can save Timeline data, and auto-delete defaults to three months. Users can delete place activity with the second feature.
Google Maps is introducing three new features to give consumers more location data management. The first feature lets users save Timeline data on their device, building on auto-delete and Incognito mode. If you enable Location History, your Timeline will be stored locally. You can delete, disable, or backup this data anytime.
Control Auto-Delete
Location History will default to three months for auto-delete instead of 18. The default setting deletes data older than three months, but you can keep it permanently. If you’re switching phones or afraid about losing data, you can save it in the cloud with automatic encryption.
Remove Location Activity
Google Maps now lets users erase location-related behavior. For instance, you can quickly delete all Maps activity from a vet visit. This includes location searches, directions, visits, and shares.
Location Controls in Brief
In Maps, the blue dot denoting your location has a new role. Tap it to quickly access location controls. Check Location History and Timeline settings and Maps access.
All these features improve location data privacy and control, according to the business. On Android and iPhone, Google Maps will gradually roll out these updates in the following weeks.
Conclusion
Google Maps is introducing three new features to improve location data control. The first feature lets users save their Timeline data on their smartphone and remove, erase, or back up it. Location History now deletes data older than three months by default. Users can also erase location-related searches, directions, visits, and shares. Your current location is now displayed as a blue dot, making it easy to verify Location History and Timeline settings and Maps access. Android and iPhone users will progressively receive these privacy and location data control tools in the coming weeks.