Google's location tracking feature has again come under the scanner after it was found that the feature continues to monitor your searches, voice activity, and location even after you manually turn it off.
The location tracking feature is crucial to a lot of apps such as cab-hailing apps, food ordering, maps, and so on. Google maintains that the feature is important to keep improving the user experience.
According to Cnet, while Google allows you to turn off Location History, it does not necessarily turn it off for other apps which may retain data of users' location.
If you want to turn off the location tracking feature, you can do so but you must remember that location-based services, including finding your device, will be disabled. To fully disable Google location tracking, you will need to disable a setting called Web & App Activity.
On Android app, go to Settings, then tap on Google -->Google Account -->Data & personalization--> Web & App activity and toggle it off. For desktop, you can sign into your account and then go to Personal info & activity --> My Activity and then from Activity controls toggle off Web & App Activity and Location History. If you want to enable the location services, you can follow the same process and turn on the feature.
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
