Tech

Google settles biggest online privacy lawsuit over location tracking


Google headquarters with bicycles parked in front

SpVVK, Getty Images

Yesterday, tech giant Google agreed to pay nearly $400 million to 40 states for user tracking violations. Google’s settlement came about due to an allegation that it misinformed users that turning off location tracking meant Google stopped collecting their information.

However, a 2018 investigation led by the Associated Press found that iPhone and Android users’ information could still be accessed by Google, even if the user had turned off location tracking.

For example, when someone uses Google Maps, they can allow the app to track them all the time, when they’re actively using the app, or not at all. But the investigation found that despite the wishes of some users, Google kept logs of their whereabouts.

Also: Meta updates its privacy policy with more details about the data it collects

Google has been able to track users through the location services of other apps, such as Google’s weather app, and by tracking where users have questioned their search engine. .

Many users were annoyed by what they saw as a privacy violation, and lawmakers agreed. However, Google says there are many ways it collects users’ data, and it’s up to the user to turn off all location tracking methods.

“There are a number of different ways that Google can use location to improve people’s experience, including: Location History, Web & App Activity, and through Device-Level Location Services “, a Google spokesperson said in a statement to the AP.

“We provide clear descriptions of these tools and robust controls so people can turn them on or off and delete their history at any time.”

According to a company spokesperson, Google insists it has fixed issues related to its location services and that the investigation is based on targeting “outdated policies”.

Plus: This latest Firefox update makes it easier to protect your privacy online

Big Tech’s main motivation in collecting user data is to sell that data to advertisers to target consumers. But user data can be authorized by law enforcement as evidence for prosecution in police investigations.

In the past, This data was used to reach murder convictions. But it can also be used for more controversial prosecutions, such as access to abortion services.

The latter has sparked deeper conversations about people’s privacy and Big Tech’s level of involvement in user decisions and whereabouts.

As part of an agreement with 40 state attorneys general, Google has agreed more transparency on location tracking starting in 2023.

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