Every so often, the internet erupts with accusations that Google accesses our location through our Android phones (and iPhones too), something easily seen by visiting certain websites that display our daily movements. Is it really true? It is, but it depends on the permissions we grant.
Does Google track our phones wherever we go? Yes, but only if we allow it. While it's a very useful tool, many Android users aren't comfortable with this tracking, and frankly, it's quite easy to prevent. However, let's first explain how Google's tracking system works.
Accessing and storing our location
There are two fundamental characteristics, which turns out to be the tracking of our location:
- Location reports: Each of the devices linked to our Google account is capable of access our location. However, by default the option is disabled and it only activates once we decideFor example, when we first open Google Maps and accept the warning message about periodically storing our location. In this way, our phone or tablet will inform Google of the position of the device every X time.
- Location history: Affects all devices and, if enabled, allows Google store a history of all our data and devices over time. The truth is that it can be easily deactivated, still keeping the previous service active, but unfortunately it affects services like Google Now.
If you want to access all the data collected by Google through your Android device, you can do so at maps.google.com/locationhistory . As you'll see, absolutely all your movements are recorded—if the aforementioned tools are enabled—which turns out to be a very powerful "weapon" against your privacy in the wrong hands.
What happens when we set up a new Android phone?
When we buy a new device, both Location Reporting and Location History are disabled by default. However, there are several ways to allow Google's tracking system to access our location, either through the settings or via services like Google Maps or Google Now – although we can also decline this option, which will directly affect the usefulness of both applications.
For example, when we first open Maps , the "Learn more" link takes us to a Help page explaining that the app uses our location to improve results based on places we've visited, something that also happens with Google Now . However, Google Now also accesses a large amount of data from our Google account, including Gmail and calendar.
Why does Google need all this data? I do not want!
Google offers a wide range of location-based services , especially on smartphones and tablets, and for these services to function properly, they need access to our location—including our location history. However, the company states in its terms of service that it will not share our location history with other users or companies without our permission.
Now, do you want to delete all this data? It's as easy as going to Settings -> Location and in Location Settings toggling the toggle from yes to no.
The choice is yours
Google assures users that it does not automatically share our location or anything similar through Android. Furthermore, the company always provides complete information when accepting its service agreements, and in a way, it's "our fault" for not reading all the terms —although the main idea, "to periodically access our location," is clearly highlighted on the home screen. In other words, Google's tracking system only works if we choose to allow it.
Many of you may be aware of your privacy and prefer to prevent Google from tracking your movements, but in my case, I'm also aware of this and don't mind Google following me wherever I go. In fact, I often appreciate it: where I parked my car, how long it will take me to get to a certain place depending on traffic (being notified beforehand if it's a meeting so I'm not late), calendar appointment reminders… For me, services like Google Now are really useful on Android , but if any of you prefer not to use them, it's really easy to opt out of tracking, although you will lose many of the advantages of the main services from the Mountain View company.
If you want to enjoy an Android phone or tablet without any connection to Google, check out this tutorial on creating your own Google-free ROM.