Google in May announced a new privacy-focused auto-delete option for automatically removing Location History and Web & App Activity after a set period of time, and the feature is now rolling out to Google users.

Google users who have these options enabled can choose to delete their information manually, every three months, or every 18 months. Opting in to auto-delete will allow Google to regularly clear out stored data at either the three or 18 month mark.

googleautodelete
Prior to the implementation of the new feature, Google allowed Location History and Web & App Activity to be disabled or manually deleted, but there were no controls for regular deletion, which may encourage more people to use functions like Location History.

Location History tracks the locations that you've visited, while Web & App Activity tracks websites you've visited and apps that you've used. Google uses this information for recommendations and cross device syncing.

Auto-delete options for Location History are rolling out around the world starting today on iOS and Android, with the rollout expected to take a few weeks. Auto-delete options for Web & App Activity will be coming later.

Tag: Google

Top Rated Comments

JetTester Avatar
77 months ago
How about a third option - don’t record my location, ever.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
HappyDude20 Avatar
77 months ago
The history may be deleted but the metadata will always exist.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ronno Avatar
77 months ago
How about a third option - don’t record my location, ever.
You can turn off location history.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MisterSavage Avatar
77 months ago
Google Maps used to force you to turn on location history to be able to share an ETA with friends (unlike Waze) which I always found ridiculous.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
H2SO4 Avatar
77 months ago
You can turn off location history.
That wouldn’t fit the narrative of a large swathe of forum posters here every time the word Google appears.
They forget that Apple was involved in the iCloud location tracking debacle.
[doublepost=1561617717][/doublepost]
Does google only delete it for you?
Do they also delete it for themselves? Or don’t they talk about that?
Why don’t you ask them instead of us? Would seem a much better place to direct such an enquiry.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
iFole Avatar
77 months ago
Does google only delete it for you?
Do they also delete it for themselves? Or don’t they talk about that?
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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