Google collects your precise GPS location through its apps and services when location settings are enabled, stores this as a 'Location History' timeline, and uses it to improve and personalize services including advertising.
This analysis describes what Google'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 provision establishes that location data collection operates through user-configurable device and account settings rather than a single blanket authorization. This creates a tiered system where the scope of location data collection depends on which specific settings users activate, and the company uses collected location data to provide and improve services.
The removal of Location History as a named feature and user control mechanism represents a less transparent approach to location data collection, though the content was effectively merged into a more technical 'Location Data Collection' provision.
View full change record →Google can build a detailed map of everywhere you have physically traveled if Location History is enabled, and this data is used across Google services; this location data was the subject of a $391.5 million multi-state AG settlement in 2022 for deceptive location tracking practices.
How other platforms handle this
You may give us your Identity Data, Contact Data, Financial Data, Profile Data, and other information by filling in forms or by corresponding with us by post, phone, e-mail or otherwise.
NIM container releases that collect data, collect it for the following purposes: (a) to properly configure and optimize products for use with Software; and (b) to improve NVIDIA products and services.
Some of our ad partners may also enable us to collect similar data directly from their website or app by integrating our or our affiliates' advertising technology.
"The types of location information we collect depend in part on your device and account settings. For example, you can turn your Android device's location on or off using the device's settings app. You can also turn on Location History if you want to create a private map of where you go with your signed-in devices. And if Location History is on, our products may use it along with other information, to provide and improve a variety of services.Excerpt from Google's Privacy Policy
REGULATORY FRAMEWORK: Precise geolocation data constitutes sensitive personal data under GDPR Art.
Enforcement risk, jurisdiction flags, contract triggers, and due diligence action items.
Search "[your state] attorney general consumer complaint" to find your state's direct complaint form
Netflix updated its Privacy Statement on April 18, 2026, disclosing voice recording collection and expanded household ad profiling for the first time.
Google's Privacy Policy covers Search, Gmail, YouTube, Maps, and every site running Google Analytics. Here is what it actually authorizes.
Get the research letter
Companies change their terms quietly. We read every version and catch what actually changed. One email a week on the changes that matter and what they mean.
The provision establishes that location data collection operates through user-configurable device and account settings rather than a single blanket authorization. This creates a tiered system where the scope of location data collection depends on which specific settings users activate, and the company uses collected location data to provide and improve services.
Google can build a detailed map of everywhere you have physically traveled if Location History is enabled, and this data is used across Google services; this location data was the subject of a $391.5 million multi-state AG settlement in 2022 for deceptive location tracking practices.
ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 296 platforms. See the full comparison.
No. ConductAtlas is an independent monitoring service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Google.