This was part because users were hooked on Google Maps and part because Apple’s early Maps offering was woeful. Google Maps has always been sticky for iPhone users-you’ll likely remember the backlash when Apple made the switch to its own app back in 2012. When pushed on privacy, Google points out that you can stop Maps harvesting data on your iPhone by selecting Incognito mode, that any data gathered per its privacy label is not associated with specific individuals or accounts.īut this more private mode has a serious impact on functionality-no “commute,” location history, sharing, search history or completion suggestions, restrictions to Assistant in Navigation, no offline maps or “your places.” On the plus side, though, Google will stop storing your personalized location history and timeline. We continue to make Google Maps the best and most accurate way to navigate and explore the world-providing rich local business information, best in class search and navigation, and helpful features like the COVID layer and live busyness information.”īut this is an awkward line to take, when your entire business model is built around user data and targeted ads.

We provide controls to easily manage your settings and use industry-leading technologies like differential privacy to keep your data safe. Privacy Labels - Google Maps Vs Apple Maps (April 2021) Apple / plays down these privacy risks, telling me that “Google Maps is designed to protect your information.

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