Google has updated its Location History help page to concede that it still tracks its users — even if they disable the feature — through a series of other settings, including their search history.
The revamped policy now explains users “can turn off Location History at the account level at any time,” but that “some location data may be saved as part of your activity on other services, like Search and Maps.”
The admission comes after the Associated Press reported earlier in the week that Google was still tracing and storing the places where its users went, despite turning off Location History. Google had originally said “with Location History off, the places you go are no longer stored,” as the AP noted on Friday, but failed to disclose it continued to track users through its array of services. Archived web pages showed Google updated its help page on Thursday.
“We have been updating the explanatory language about Location History to make it more consistent and clear across our platforms and help centers,” Google told TheWrap in a statement.
Google, the dominant player in online advertising, said on its help page location data helps users “get better results and recommendations.” Turning off Location History limits the precision it can market to its users.
The Mountain View, California-based company is operating under a 20-year agreement with the FTC, barring Google from “future privacy misrepresentations.” The FTC has not said if it’s looking into Google’s updated policy and did not immediately respond to TheWrap’s request for comment.
While Google clarified its tracking policy, its amended page fails to mention there is one way for users to turn off all location storage. Turning off the “Web and App Activity” setting, which is turned on by default, prevents Google from using Maps and Search to track its users.
10 Most Shocking Russian Troll Posts on Facebook and Instagram, From Hillary Clinton to Police Brutality (Photos)
The U.S. House Intelligence Committee on Thursday released more than 3,500 advertisements and posts spread by Russian trolls before and after the 2016 U.S. election. Below is a look at 10 of the most shocking examples that stood out from Congress's reveal.
House Intelligence Committee
Many posts pushed the narrative that Hillary Clinton would confiscate guns if she were elected President.
House Intelligence Committee
This graphic meme painted cops as KKK members attacking a young black child.
House Intelligence Committee
Only "sissies" and other undesirables wouldn't support Donald Trump, many of the memes said.
House Intelligence Committee
President Obama was a "pawn" and "traitor" in the hands of "Arabian Sheikhs," said one 2016 ad.
House Intelligence Committee
The "Black Matters US" page touched on hot button issues like police shootings.
House Intelligence Committee
The "Army of Jesus" page shared a bible verse, along with this meme.
House Intelligence Committee
Russian trolls also used Instagram to spread sponsored political memes.
House Intelligence Committee
The "Blacktivist" page routinely shared memes on Colin Kaepernick and other football players kneeling during the national anthem.
House Intelligence Committee
"Heart of Texas" routinely posted on "Killary Rotten Clinton," and threatened to secede from the union if she won the election.
House Intelligence Committee
The "Being Patriotic" page labeled ex-cons as "Obama voters."
House Intelligence Committee
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Congress just released 3,500 posts touching on a myriad of topics
The U.S. House Intelligence Committee on Thursday released more than 3,500 advertisements and posts spread by Russian trolls before and after the 2016 U.S. election. Below is a look at 10 of the most shocking examples that stood out from Congress's reveal.