Newzchain

Google Maps Enhances Privacy Controls with Activity Deletion and Blue Dot Access

Tanay Chopra
Tanay Chopra·Dec 27, 2023·1 min read
Google Maps blue dot interface showing location controls and privacy settings

Google Maps is introducing new features to empower users with greater control over their personal information. Soon, users can quickly delete their activity related to specific places, including searches, directions, visits, and shares. The update also enables users to access location controls directly from the blue dot indicating their map position.

Effortless deletion and location oversight

The upcoming feature allows users to view recent activity associated with a specific place, providing a convenient way to delete information. Additionally, clicking on the blue dot will grant users access to location controls, displaying whether Location History or Timeline settings are active and if Maps has device location access.

Newsletter

The corridor, every morning.

Funding rounds and cross-border capital moves, one email, five minutes.

Time-saving measures and default auto-delete

Google Maps now saves Time on the device for users who have opted for Location History. The auto-delete control for Location History will default to three months when first activated, a change from the previous 18-month default setting. These enhancements will gradually roll out on Android and iOS over the next year, with users receiving notifications upon account update.


Edited by Shruti Thapa