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How to Prevent Location Tracking
When users download a new application on their smartphone, they are most probably asked to share their location for the accuracy of the app. Whether it is the Uber app or UrbanCompany, the user needs to keep the location tracker enabled to make the mobile app function better.
What is location tracking technology?
Location tracker records the movements of people or items using GPS navigation technology.
Its main advantage is receiving swift help in case of emergency or tracking your loved ones in case they are lost. Not only people, but it can also be used to track your smartphone or the taxi near you.
Why prevent location tracking?
The technology can make one's life convenient, but a growing number of people are worried about their every movement being recorded by Google or other companies. A location-tracker can help you in an emergency, but the details can also be accessed and misused by a stalker or a thief. Location data storage by tech companies is almost storing a user's life and knowing every detail of their movements. Some companies keep a record of your location to send targeted ads pertaining to the area. Google, Facebook, and several other big tech companies are facing hearings by the US Congress over data privacy, market monopoly, information storage, and misuse.
If you are under the assumption that to avoid location tracking, simply toggling off would serve the purpose, then you're wrong. Even when it's switched off, Google can use the background location information as it stores the data from the apps downloaded, including the IP addresses.
If a user does not want to share the details of the whereabouts with Google and keep it private, then he has to turn off the Web and App activity from their account.
Here's how to do to prevent location tracking in a few simple steps:
Step 1: Type https://myactivity.google.com/ and log into your account. ‘My Activity’ homepage will appear.
Step 2: In the left navigation panel, choose ‘Activity Controls’.
Step 3: You will now see a list of all the activities and turn off ‘Web and App Activity’ and ‘Location History’.
In case you want to remove the location history and activities already stored by Google on top of it, then do the following:
Step 1: Go back to ‘My Activity’ and select ‘Delete Activity by’.
Step 2: A pop-up will appear asking the time period, ‘Last Hour’, ‘Day’ or ‘Custom manage’. Select an option and click on Next.
Step 3: You will be given further options to select and delete data.
Now, if you want to do the same setting using your Android smartphone, then simply go to ‘Settings’, then select ‘Google’ and ‘Manage your data & personalisation’ and look for the same ‘Activity Controls’ option.
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