Google has introduced new updates to give you even more control over personal information. Back in October, AI-powered updates for smarter navigation were added to Maps.
Your On Device Timeline
The Timeline feature, powered by Location History, preserves your journey details. If you’ve activated Location History, your Timeline can now be stored directly on your device, offering enhanced data control.
Easily manage your data by deleting specific information or disabling the setting altogether. You can also safeguard it by backing up to the cloud with automatic encryption for added security.
Auto-delete controls, now set to three months by default (previously 18 months), ensure automatic removal of data older than the selected period. Users can easily customize this setting to align with their preferences, providing flexibility in managing memories on their Timeline.
Deletion of Place-Related Activity
Easily manage your recent activity in one place. Soon, Maps will allow you to review and delete searches, directions, visits, and shares related to specific locations with just a few taps.
Navigate Your Controls with the Blue Dot
The familiar blue dot on Google Maps now serves as a hub for key location controls. A simple tap reveals the status of your Location History, Timeline settings, and device location access.
Availability
- On-Device Timeline: This feature will gradually roll out on Android and iOS throughout the next year.
- Delete Place-Related Activity: Rolling out on Android and iOS in the coming weeks, providing you with swift control over your location-related data.
- New Blue Dot Controls: Coming in the next few weeks to Android and iOS, making key location controls easily accessible.
Announcing the updates, Marlo McGriff, Director of Product, Google Maps, said:
Your location data is personal. We are dedicated to ensuring its safety, privacy, and your control. Google Maps never trades your data with anyone, advertisers included. Spend less time fretting over your data and more time discovering new places, reaching your destinations, or enjoying moments with friends — all thanks to Maps.