Location Services
Google hit with $463 million fine for breaching EU location data rules
Google has been fined 403 million euros (USD 463 million) for breaching the European Union's strict privacy rules because it mishandled users' location data, the bloc's data privacy watchdog said Monday. Ireland's Data Protection Commission said its investigation found Google did not lawfully or fairly process location data in users' Web & App Activity, a Google setting that tracks browsing and search history, and in their Location History, a service that maps places they've been with their mobile phones. Regulators also found the company failed to be lawful, fair and transparent when it processed personal data in its Location Accuracy feature in the Android mobile operating system. Ireland is the lead regulator for Google in the 27-nation EU because the US tech giant's European headquarters is based in Dublin. The investigation, which opened six years ago, examined how Google applied the EU privacy rule book, known as the General Data Protection Regulation, from the time it took .
 "Google hit with $463 million fine for breaching EU location data rules")
Instagram's Map: How to share location, explore posts, and adjust settings
Instagram recently added Map to let users share their location with friends or explore posts and Reels based on tagged places, with full control over settings
 "Instagram's Map: How to share location, explore posts, and adjust settings")
India Post launches Digipin: Here's how to check your new digital address
India's Digipin system assigns a 10-character alphanumeric code to specific geolocations, offering significantly greater accuracy than the existing six-digit PIN code system
 "India Post launches Digipin: Here's how to check your new digital address")
Now, Instagram lets you share live location in DMs: Here is how it works
Instagram has announced new ways to connect through direct messages, including over 300 new stickers, customisable nicknames, and live location sharing
 "Now, Instagram lets you share live location in DMs: Here is how it works")
Instagram refutes claims that users location is shared with followers
Instagram's CEO Adam Mosseri and its social media team have refuted claims that their app is tracking location data and sharing it with followers looking for your exact location.
 "Instagram refutes claims that users location is shared with followers")
Uber adds safety net: Riders can now share live location updates with cops
Riders or drivers will be able to share their live location along with their name and contact details at the swipe of a button on the Uber app with the police
 "Uber adds safety net: Riders can now share live location updates with cops")
Google to delete location data of users visiting an abortion clinic
In a blog post, Google said it would remove location history data about some "particularly personal" places from a Google account shortly after someone visits
 "Google to delete location data of users visiting an abortion clinic")
Google Maps to help users to save, share their location's plus codes
Google on Thursday announced the launch of an India-first feature on Google Maps where users can access their current location to find the 'plus codes' address for their home.
 "Google Maps to help users to save, share their location's plus codes")
What is geo-fencing and what are its advantages?
Firms and educational institutes are increasingly turning to geo-fencing, which uses GPS to detect employee/student presence through a chip in identity cards. What is geo-fencing and its advantages?
 "What is geo-fencing and what are its advantages?")
Ola acquires GeoSpoc to build next-gen location tech for undisclosed sum
GeoSpoc co-founder Dhruva Rajan and his team of Geospatial scientists and engineers will be joining Ola
 "Ola acquires GeoSpoc to build next-gen location tech for undisclosed sum")
Wipro, HERE Tech partner to offer location-based services, analytics
IT services major Wipro Ltd on Tuesday said it has partnered with HERE Technologies to offer location-based services to customers
How to Find Someone's Location Using Their Cell Phone Number?
A guide on how to find someone's location by cell phone number is a commonly sought out request.
 "How to Find Someone's Location Using Their Cell Phone Number?")
Aarogya Setu app: Things you need to know about govt's Covid-19 tracker
The app also calculates the user's risk of infection based on recency and proximity of Covid-19 patients
 "Aarogya Setu app: Things you need to know about govt's Covid-19 tracker")
How to download, set-up and use Aarogya Setu app to curb coronavirus spread
The Aarogya Setu tracks your movement and inform if you have come in contact with someone tested positive for coronavirus
Google to reveal user location data to help governments tackle coronavirus
No "personally identifiable information," such as a person's location, contacts or movements, will be made available, the post said
 "Google to reveal user location data to help governments tackle coronavirus")
When you should share your location via phone
While meeting friends, update them with your location
 "When you should share your location via phone")