Google tracks your movements even if you turn Location History OFF – here’s how to really stop it
GOOGLE snoops on your exact location more than you realise – and even when you have Location History tracking turned off.
Fortunately, it's possible to stop Google from spying on your real-world movements if you change the right settings. Here's a simple guide on how to go off-grid.
Does Google track your location?
Yes. If you use any Google services, it's almost guaranteed that your exact location will have been mapped out.
The most obvious way it does this is through a feature called Location History.
This is an opt-in feature that lets you see where you've been, visually charted on Google Maps-style interface.
You can view your own Google Maps timeline here:
To stop this from happening, you just need to turn Location History off.
You can do that from the page above. Once it's off, your location will no longer be stored.
But that's not the only way Google tracks you.
Google Web and App Activity Tracking
A recent Associated Press revealed that Google's location tracking isn't just limited to Location History.
In fact, it goes way beyond that – so even if you have Location History turned off, you'll still be tracked.
A joint investigation with computer scientists at Princeton University found that Google was storing time-stamped location data without ever asking you for permission.
It's claimed that Google "stores a snapshot of where you are" whenever you open the Maps app.
And automatic daily weather updates on your Android smartphone track approximately where you are.
Worse still, even random Google searches that you make will hand over information to the tech giant.
The report notes that searches that have nothing to do with location – like "chocolate chip cookies" and "kids science kits" – will tell Google your exact latitude and longitude.
This information is "accurate to the square foot", according to the report.
It's all part of Google's Web and App Activity, which is turned on by default for Google products.
Nothing about the phrase "Web and App Activity" suggests location-tracking, but if it's turned on, you'll be tracked nonetheless.
You can see your tracked location markers here:
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Unfortunately, these location markers are intermingled with a host of other information, so it's tricky to locate (and delete them).
To turn it off, simply click the above link then head to Activity Controls.
From there, you'll be able to turn off Web & Activity Tracking across all Google sites, apps and services.
In a statement given to The Sun, Google said: "Location History is a Google product that is entirely opt in, and users have the controls to edit, delete, or turn it off at any time.
"We make sure Location History users know that when they disable the product, we continue to use location to improve the Google experience when they do things like perform a Google search or use Google for driving directions."
Do you mind Google tracking your location? Let us know in the comments!
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