Google Maps Privacy Update Limits Law Enforcement’s Tracking Abilities

Google, under the umbrella of Alphabet, recently revealed significant modifications to its Google Maps application. In a notable change, the company will cease access to users’ location history, a move that restricts its ability to comply with law enforcement requests seeking data on individuals near a crime scene.

Outlined in a recent Google blog post, these alterations primarily impact the Location History feature within Google Maps. While this feature is initially deactivated, it serves to help users recall their travel routes. Once activated, however, the location data is stored directly on users’ devices, ensuring that Google does not have visibility into this information. Consequently, the company is unable to share such data with law enforcement upon request.

Marlo McGriff, Google Maps’ product director, underscored the commitment to safeguarding users’ location information in a blog statement, stating, “Your location information is personal. We are committed to ensuring its security, privacy, and user control.”

The Electronic Frontier Foundation’s attorney, Lynch, acknowledged Google’s move positively but pointed out that Google has historically been the sole technology company to respond to geofencing order requests. Lynch expressed appreciation for Google’s steps while highlighting that other companies have not collected and stored data in the same manner.

In contrast, Apple, which also offers a mapping app, indicated that it technically couldn’t furnish the specific location data sought by law enforcement. Privacy advocates, however, express concerns about another form of warrant known as reverse search warrants. With these warrants, law enforcement agencies can request data from technology companies on individuals searching for a particular term. Lynch emphasized the sensitivity of search queries, even for seemingly innocuous searches like an address.