Google has announced a significant shift in its approach to handling Maps Timeline data, opting to store it directly on users’ devices rather than in their Google accounts, starting December 1, 2024. This change, initially disclosed by the tech giant in December 2023, accompanies alterations to the auto-delete settings for Location History, which now defaults to three months compared to the previous 18-month limit.
The Maps Timeline feature, known for helping users track their routes and visited places over time, requires the activation of Location History and Web & App Activity settings. However, with this latest update, Google is moving the storage of this data to users’ devices, a move that also entails the removal of web access for viewing the Timeline.
This update, gradually being implemented across the Google Maps app user base, prompts users to enable backups for encrypted Timeline data storage on Google’s servers. This backup facilitates seamless data transfer between devices, ensuring users maintain access to their location history. These changes arrive amidst ongoing legal scrutiny over Google’s data tracking practices, with settlements and donations reflecting the company’s efforts to address privacy concerns while navigating legal proceedings and evolving its data management strategies.
