For users switching to a new phone or those concerned about losing their current one,\u00a0 Google will continue to offer the ability to back up location data to the cloud.<\/p>\n
“We’ll automatically encrypt your backed-up data so no one can read it, including Google,” McGriff said.<\/p>\n
Users can still delete all or parts of their information at any time or disable the setting entirely.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/mybroadband.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Google-Maps-on-device-location-storage-new.jpg\")
Screenshots showing the prompts users will receive once on-device Timeline storage becomes available on their phone.<\/p><\/div>\n
To enhance privacy, Google is reducing the auto-deletion of history data to three months by default, down from the previous 18 months.<\/p>\n
Users can choose how long they want their data stored or turn the auto-deletion off altogether.<\/p>\n
McGriff said the changes would gradually roll out on Android and iOS throughout the coming year.<\/p>\n
“You’ll receive a notification when this update comes to your account,” he said.<\/p>\n
In addition to the on-device location data storage, Google is adding the ability to delete place-related activity from Maps over the next few weeks.<\/p>\n
“Say you’re planning a surprise birthday party, and you get directions to a nearby bakery to pick up the cake,” Google explained.<\/p>\n
“Soon, you’ll be able to see all your recent activity on Maps related to the bakery in one central place, and easily delete your searches, directions, visits, and shares with just a few taps.”<\/p>\n
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