Click this link. Does Google know where you've been?

[TMG51]

Google Maps keeps a history of your location. It tracks any time you're logged in via your web browser or mobile device.

When you click this link, does it show you where you've been?
https://maps.google.com/locationhistory

If you don't have a Google account, or if you keep the location settings disabled from your mobile device, then that link may do nothing for you. But most people these days have these settings and some may not realize everything they report. I'm personally not bothered by this feature - you can turn it off at any time, and it displays your history only to you, and I'm not one of the conspiracy sorts who is afraid government is tracking me.

If the link works for you then you may find it either cool or scary.

 

[66788]

Google Maps keeps a history of your location. It tracks any time you're logged in via your web browser or mobile device.

When you click this link, does it show you where you've been?
https://maps.google.com/locationhistory

If you don't have a Google account, or if you keep the location settings disabled from your mobile device, then that link may do nothing for you. But most people these days have these settings and some may not realize everything they report. I'm personally not bothered by this feature - you can turn it off at any time, and it displays your history only to you, and I'm not one of the conspiracy sorts who is afraid government is tracking me.

If the link works for you then you may find it either cool or scary.

"and it displays your history only to you"   Sure it does.

On a side note I started to install VLC media player on my android phone today and it discloses that it needs access to photos and videos, which I would expect, but it also gets access to phone and call information.  That is NOT acceptable to me.   Another app which gives spot gold prices demanded access to contact information.   Why would they need information about my contacts?   They don't really.

I'm about ready to switch to a cheap prepaid flip phone under an assumed name just for privacy.   Additionally, I would take the battery out of it and use it only when I want to make a call.

As for internet, I really think I can live without that too.

Not doing anything illegal, but the intrusions into my life by 3d parties are unacceptable to me.

Most of the people here are van dwellers because they don't like the system, yet they embrace the digital system wholeheartedly.

 

[B and C]

On a side note I started to install VLC media player on my android phone today and it discloses that it needs access to photos and videos, which I would expect, but it also gets access to phone and call information.  

VLC needs access to phone status to see if a call is active so it does not play while you are talking on the phone.

 

[TMG51]

"and it displays your history only to you"   Sure it does.

Once again, I was speaking in non-conspiracy mode. Yes of course that information exists somewhere other than in front of my eyes. I'm just saying not any schmuck can look up your Google account and follow your history. It's sort of like your email account - you log in with your account and your mail is there.

 

[Almost There]

Google Maps keeps a history of your location. It tracks any time you're logged in via your web browser or mobile device.

When you click this link, does it show you where you've been?
https://maps.google.com/locationhistory

If you don't have a Google account, or if you keep the location settings disabled from your mobile device, then that link may do nothing for you. But most people these days have these settings and some may not realize everything they report. I'm personally not bothered by this feature - you can turn it off at any time, and it displays your history only to you, and I'm not one of the conspiracy sorts who is afraid government is tracking me.

If the link works for you then you may find it either cool or scary.

How do you turn it off?

Simple instructions please...

It drove me crazy on my last trip to Florida because every time I went to check my email from MY laptop, I would have to sign in and change my password because I was away from my home base. I think I changed my password maybe 5 or 6 times in a 2 week period because of it.

I'm less than 10 days from being on the road full-time and have not got the patience for that kind of bs.

 

[GotSmart]

I dont care if Big Brother knows where I am, or where I have been.  

Why would anyone spend money to track down this old man?  

I ignore 99% of the advertising.  Occasionally it helps me find my location and gives me the information I am needing. 

If I wanted to hide, I know what to do, and how to do it.  

Meanwhile it is nice to be able to access everything from my devices.

 

[LeeRevell]

The app is at best incomplete.  For all 2015 it shows only "two trips".  I have used VZ Navigator numerous times through the year.  I have been online surfing forums and using the weather app (which requires location  info to be "on") numerous times all over several counties.  If this is the best Google can do I have no fears, and I AM concerned with goobermint intrusion i  my life.  If they want to track me  to and from Sopchoppy, Florida (monthly Opry music show) then the NSA squirrels must be very easily amused.  

 

[ramblingvanman]

Won't work for me. I don't use google accounts. Even when doing a web search, I am more likely to use DuckDuckGo, metasearch, startpage, ixquick, dogpile, or others.

 

[highdesertranger]

should we act surprised? or I should ask, is anybody surprised? highdesertranger

 

[WriterMs]

Out of maybe a billion users, Google really does not care where any of us have been. Google likes to know you location not only to give you info YOU want, but also to send you info (ads) they want. You're in Altanta? You may start seeing ads for the best southern restaurant in town. LOL

My locator option is turned off until such time I may want to use it, but I'm not concerned about it. We all trade off some anonymity and personal info in exchange for convenience and security.

Other than maybe a couple of old stalkers, no one is even going to look at where I've been. (a small joke) :dodgy:

 

[Almost There]

My locator option is turned off until such time I may want to use it, but I'm not concerned about it. We all trade off some anonymity and personal info in exchange for convenience and security.

How did you turn off the locator option?

I want to do it!

 

[MikeRuth]

How did you turn off the locator option?

I want to do it!

there are so many different phones and versions now that it's difficult to lay out exactly how with out knowing some of that info about the phone. 
Essentially you need to open google maps, then goto the settings, In settings you will find location history, and an option to turn it off. 

you can ask using google, how do I turn off location history (your phone model here), Should get you to it. 

Mike R

 

[TMG51]

You really have two options for disabling this.

1) You can turn off the location history feature in Google settings.
2) You can disable location entirely from your mobile device.

Option #2 may be more appealing to the tinfoil hat crowd although keep in mind that also means things like GPS navigation apps aren't going to work without being able to see your location (most smart phones have a way to turn location on and off quickly for this reason).

For #1, see this link:
https://support.google.com/gmm/answer/3118687?hl=en


Turn Location History on or off with Google Settings

Find Google settings in one of these places (depending on your device):
A separate app called Google Settings
In your main Settings app, scroll down and touch Google
Touch Location > Google Location History for the account you want to change.
Turn Location History on or off for your account or devices:
Google Account: Move the top switch to turn Location History on or off for all devices associated with your Google Account.
Device only: Move the switch next to a listed device to turn Location History on or off just for that device.

Turn Location History on or off using Activity controls

Go to the Activity controls section of My Account. If prompted, sign in to the Google Account you want associated with your location.
Under "Places you go," use the switch to turn Location History on or off. When you turn off Location History here, it's disabled for your entire Google Account and all devices associated with that account.

If you’re using a Google Apps for Business, Education, or Government account, you may need to get access to these settings from your administrator.

 

[LeeRevell]

I use both VZNavigator (GPS function) and a weather app a lot on my SIII Android.  Deactivating location prevents these from being used.  So what if the Intel Squirrels see where I go.  I doubt they are interested.  If I do want to shut them out, I'll turn the location feature off.  Easy peasy.