Google Maps · Google Maps Platform Terms of Service

Asset Tracking Restriction

High severity
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What it is

Customer will not use the Google Maps Core Services to track the real-time location of vehicles, assets, or persons without obtaining all required consents from end users, and where applicable, from individuals being tracked.

Why it matters

This clause places direct responsibility on the developer-customer to obtain consent for real-time tracking use cases, which has significant privacy and regulatory implications.

Consumer impact

Developers and businesses using Google Maps APIs are bound by strict content display rules, anti-competitive use restrictions, and Google's unilateral right to alter or terminate services. End consumers using apps built on Maps APIs may have their location data processed under Google's data policies, with limited transparency about how that data flows between app developers and Google. You can review Google's Maps Platform Privacy Notice at https://cloud.google.com/maps-platform/privacy to understand what data Google collects when Maps APIs are embedded in third-party apps.

What you can do

⚠️ These actions may provide transparency or partial mitigation but may not fully address the underlying issue. Effectiveness varies by jurisdiction and individual circumstances.
  • Delete Your Data
    If you believe your location is being tracked without consent via a Google Maps-powered app, visit your Google Account privacy settings to review location data, or contact the app developer directly to request deletion of your tracking data.

Applicable agencies

  • FTC
    The FTC has primary federal enforcement authority over unlawful real-time location tracking practices under FTC Act Section 5 and has brought multiple enforcement actions against companies collecting location data without adequate consent.
    File a complaint →
  • State AG
    State Attorneys General in California, Illinois, and other states with location privacy statutes have authority to enforce violations of consent requirements for real-time tracking under state consumer protection and privacy laws.
    File a complaint →

Provision details

Document information
Document
Google Maps Platform Terms of Service
Entity
Google Maps
Document last updated
March 24, 2026
Tracking information
First tracked
March 20, 2026
Last verified
April 4, 2026
Record ID
CA-P-001924
Document ID
CA-D-00324
Evidence Provenance
Source URL
Wayback Machine
SHA-256
6b3fc9132543f92a0d6e87edb75a218ea1e3c5adb602f1a194b2b81c84dc02d6
Verified
✓ Snapshot stored   ✓ Change verified
How to Cite
ConductAtlas Policy Archive
Entity: Google Maps | Document: Google Maps Platform Terms of Service | Record: CA-P-001924
Captured: 2026-03-20 06:28:58 UTC | SHA-256: 6b3fc9132543f92a…
URL: https://conductatlas.com/platform/google-maps/google-maps-platform-terms-of-service/asset-tracking-restriction/
Accessed: April 4, 2026
Classification
Severity
High
Categories

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