Stefan Mileschin

Better to avoid

Hacks and hackettes at Vice have been looking at Google Maps and reached the conclusion it is probably the creepiest app you could have on your phone.

Firstly, Google Maps Wants Your Search History: Google's "Web & App Activity" settings describe how the company collects data, such as user location, to create a faster and "more personalised" experience.

This means that every single place you've looked up in the app -- whether it's a strip club, sex shop, brothel, fish and chip shop or your dealer's location -- is saved and integrated into Google's search engine algorithm for a period of 18 months. Google uses "dark patterns" user interfaces crafted to coax us into choosing options we might not otherwise, for example by highlighting an option with certain fonts or brighter colours.

Google Maps limits its features if you don’t share history. When opening the Google Maps app, you will see a circle in the top right corner that signifies you're logged in with your Google account. That is not necessary, and you can simply log out. The log out button is slightly hidden but can be found like this: click on the circle > Settings > scroll down > Log out of Google Maps. Unfortunately, Google Maps will not let you save frequently visited places if you are not logged into your Google account. If you choose not to log in, when you click on the search bar you get a "Tired of typing?" button, suggesting you sign in, and coaxing you towards more data collection.

Google Maps can tell the cops all about you. The "Google Maps Timeline," shows an estimate of places you may have been and routes you may have taken based on your Location History. With this feature, you can look at your personal travel routes on Google Maps, including the means of transport you used, such as a car or a bike.

https://fudzilla.com/news/51877-why-...-creepiest-app