Google rolls out auto-delete controls for location history

Google has maintained that the data it obtains does a lot more than feed its ad services; they also aim to make its services a lot more useful. However, not many agree that Google should collect their personal data. Google aims to provide a middle ground by giving users some control of their data by launching a new feature that auto-deletes Location History information on iOS and Android devices.

Google first announced this feature back in May at its developer conference, Google I/O and at the time they stated that location history could help users by providing better recommendations, for example like suggesting a restaurant. However, Google has built up a reputation for storing what people refer as a ‘creepy’ amount of user data — including a map of everywhere you have ever been, a report by TechCrunch states.

With these new controls, Google is providing users to delete its collection of location data every three months or every 18 months depending on your preference.

To get started, you have to visit the Google Account’s My Activity section and select the ‘choose to delete automatically’ option in the Location History area. Then choose which time frame you prefer, 3 months or 18 months. Interestingly you can also delete data manually, a feature which you can do at any time you wish.

These controls have started rolling out to iOS and Android devices; however, it is worth noting that rollouts take time and the setting may not appear for you immediately.

TechCrunch ends by stating, “If you’d rather stop Google from gathering any data in the first place, you can still choose to entirely toggle off its various data collection settings one-by-one — including Web & App Activity, Location History, Device Information, Voice & Audio Activity, YouTube Search History, and YouTube Watch History.”