Google Maps has announced new features that provide users with more control over their personal information. The app is introducing the ability to delete activity related to specific places and easier ways to access location controls directly from the blue dot in the app.
Users will soon be able to see their recent activity related to specific places and delete searches, directions, visits, and shares with just a few taps. For example, if a user is going to a bakery and uses the app to navigate there, they will be able to view recent activity associated with the bakery and delete it.
In addition, the blue dot that shows the user’s location on Google Maps will soon allow users to access location controls. By clicking on the blue dot, users can see if their Location History or Timeline settings are turned on, as well as if Maps has access to their device’s location.
These new features will start rolling out on Android and iOS in the coming weeks, according to Google Maps.
Image Credits: Google
“Just like before, you can delete all or part of your information at any time or disable the setting entirely,” Mario McGrid, Google Map’s Director of Product, wrote in a blog post. “If you’re getting a new phone or are worried about losing your existing one, you can always choose to back up your data to the cloud so it doesn’t get lost. We’ll automatically encrypt your backed-up data so no one can read it, including Google.”
Google also announced that when users first turn on Location History, the auto-delete control will be set to three months by default, previously it was set to 18 months.
These changes will roll out gradually on Android and iOS over the next year, with users receiving a notification when the update comes to their account.