This analysis describes what Google Maps's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology
The clause creates a conditional authorization structure: real-time asset and person tracking is permitted under the service only when preceded by documented consent acquisition. This establishes a compliance obligation tied to the legality and consent requirements of the jurisdictions where tracking occurs.
The updated terms establish a broader definition of activities that are subject to heightened restrictions under the Google Maps Platform Terms of Service. Previously, the definition enumerated specific high-risk categories. The revised language now encompasses any use case where service failure could reasonably be expected to result in death, serious personal injury, or severe environmental or property damage, and explicitly identifies weaponry as a restricted application. Developers and organizations using Google Maps for restricted purposes should review their use cases against the new definition to ensure continued compliance.
View change record →Customers using Google Maps Platform for location tracking must obtain and maintain documented consents from all tracked parties before deploying such functionality. Failure to secure these consents means the tracking use case is not authorized under the terms, regardless of technical capability.
How other platforms handle this
When you use third-party apps or services built on our platform (such as apps available in the Shopify App Store), those third parties may access personal information about you. We require that app developers comply with our privacy and security standards, but we are not responsible for the privacy ...
{"apiName":"Accelerometer","apiObj":"","apiType":"constructor",..."sampleRate":1,"stackRate":0.5,"withRawArguments":[true]},{"apiName":"addEventListner","apiObj":"","paramCondition":{"0":"devicemotion"},...},{"apiName":"getCurrentPosition","apiObj":"navigator.geolocation",..."sampleRate":1,"stackRat...
We may audit your app to ensure compliance with these Terms. You must cooperate with any audit and provide us with information and access to systems, data, and personnel necessary to conduct the audit. You must also maintain records sufficient to demonstrate your compliance with these Terms and prov...
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"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.— Excerpt from Google Maps's Google Maps Platform Terms of Service
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The clause creates a conditional authorization structure: real-time asset and person tracking is permitted under the service only when preceded by documented consent acquisition. This establishes a compliance obligation tied to the legality and consent requirements of the jurisdictions where tracking occurs.
Customers using Google Maps Platform for location tracking must obtain and maintain documented consents from all tracked parties before deploying such functionality. Failure to secure these consents means the tracking use case is not authorized under the terms, regardless of technical capability.
No. ConductAtlas is an independent monitoring service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Google Maps.