Google updates Location language after tracking backlash

https://techcrunch.com/2018/08/17/google-updates-location-history-language-after-tracking-backlash/

by confiscate • 8 years ago

3 2 8 years ago

Android (and IOS too) needs a user setting that will not just turn off location reporting, but will cause the lowest-level device drivers of GPS and other location sensors to provide spoofed data to all layers above it. That's the only way to stop this crap. It should automatically provide unfiltered data when the user dials 911, but in no other circumstances unless the user explicitly authorizes it.

mtgx• 8 years ago

"Rejoice everyone! We've fixed the issue...by admitting we're going to keep tracking you."

I don't think this is legal under GDPR at all, but I'm sure I'll be proven either wrong or wrong in the multiple legal complaints and lawsuits Google will have to face in the EU over this in the next few years.

This and other similar moves we're seen from Google in the past few years seem like they are "ballsy". I don't think Google is being ballsy, I just think they've figured out that whatever the cost/fines governments will ask them to pay, it will be worth it as a cost of doing business. Hopefully they'll be proven wrong on this eventually and that the fines will keep escalating until they learn their lesson.

Google updates Location language after tracking backlash

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