HOW DOES GOOGLE TRACK ITS USERS' LOCATIONS OUTSIDE OF 'LOCATION HISTORY'?
A new investigation led by the Associated Press found that some Google apps automatically store time-stamped location data without asking - even when you've paused Location History.
The investigation found, for example:
Google stores a snapshot of where you are when you open its Maps app
Automatic daily weather updates on Android phones pinpoint where you are each time the forecast is refreshed
Simple searchers, such as 'chocolate chip cookies,' or 'kids science kits,' pinpoint your precise latitude and longitude – accurate to the square foot - and save it to your Google account.
This information is all logged as part of the 'Web and App Activity feature, which does not specifically reference location information in its description.
This is enabled by default, and stores a variety of information from Google apps and websites to your Google account.
When paused, it will prevent activity on any device from being saved to your account.
Leaving 'Web & App Activity' on and turning 'Location History' off only prevents Google from adding your movements to the 'timeline,' its visualization of your daily travels.
It does not stop Google's collection of other location markers.
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