Google Maps tracks user locations even when the app is not in use, and stores extensive location history data that could enable stalking if accessed without permission. An expert warns this is a major privacy issue, as it allows detailed analysis of a person's patterns and whereabouts. The article explains how to opt out of Google location tracking on iOS and Android devices.

2. That trip down memory lane may never be the same. Those
who feel that their Facebook timeline leaves out any important
moments in their lives can call up Google Maps’ timeline to fill
in the blanks. With tech tools like these, who needs enemies?
Instead of paying money to Google for using their apps and
services, you pay them with your own personal data. They can
gather data from you from your emails, searches,
demographics, likes, dislikes and even your whereabouts, and
more importantly they can sell this data to advertisers.
What’s this all about?

3. Tracking
What’s worse is that if you have Google Maps installed onto your smart device,
Google tracks your location wherever you go, even if you are not actually using
the app.
Be prepared for a shock! You can see just how much Google knows about your
location history on an official Google website called Location History. You can
see where you’ve been on a given day, month or year. If you can see it, then so
can Google!
There are bigger issues to come. If anyone could gain access to your account
they would be able to see a map of every day of life since this app was installed
onto your device. How about that for key information for a stalker?

4. Richard Blech speaks out
“This is a major privacy issue with the possibility for abuse,” warns
Richard Blech, CEO of Secure Channels.
The timeline will make things easier for stalkers, who “can press a
button and see the user’s pattern of behaviour with a clear idea of
where they’ll be and what they’ll do.”
“It’s a blatant attempt to grab more personal information that can be
used by Google for marketing, or sold to third party vendors.”

5. How to opt out of Google location tracking: iOS
1. Open up the app
2. In the search bar at the top, tap the three lines on the left hand
side (this will open up the sidebar)
3. Choose “Settings”
4. “About, terms & privacy”
5. ”Terms & privacy”
6. “Location data collection” – select off.

6. How to opt out of Google location tracking: Android
1. Open Google Settings from your device’s apps menu
2. Choose “Account History”
3. Then select “Google Location History”
4. Then finally “Location Reporting”
5. Switch the slider to “OFF”
Now that you have opted out of Location Reporting, you now need to
opt out of Location History:
1. As previously done, select “Google Settings”, “Google Location
History”
2. You will then need to select “Location History”
3. You will need to switch the slider to “OFF”

7. So what now?
Have we caught your interest yet? To read the full article all
you have to do is head on over to our website or click the link
below!
Google Maps – the new stalker service