Waze collects your precise GPS location, speed, routes, and travel times while the app is running, using this data to power navigation and to improve its maps and services.
This analysis describes what Waze'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
This provision establishes that precise location and detailed driving behavior data are collected continuously during app use, creating a comprehensive record of a user's physical movements and travel patterns.
The updated policy now explicitly discloses that Waze periodically collects all phone numbers stored on your device's contact book as part of the 'find friends' feature. According to the revised terms, these phone numbers are collected in a form that is initially anonymous to Waze and are used to help create a list of other Waze users you may know. The policy clarifies that names, addresses, and other contact information are not collected from your phone book, though such information may be saved locally on your device for local searches. Additionally, the updated terms now explicitly authorize connecting your Waze account to social network accounts and sharing profile information from those networks. You can control whether to use the 'find friends' feature and whether to connect social network accounts to your Waze account.
View change record →The updated policy removes explicit language describing how Waze collects phone numbers from device contact books and integrates social network accounts. Previously, the policy stated that Waze would 'periodically collect all of the phone numbers which are stored on your device's phone contacts book' and described how this information was used for the 'find friends' feature. The revised policy no longer includes these specific disclosures. This does not necessarily mean the practices have stopped, but it means the policy provides less transparency about what data Waze collects from your device and how it uses contact information. Users who relied on these detailed descriptions to understand Waze's data practices will find the updated policy less explicit on these points.
View change record →The updated privacy policy now explicitly discloses that Waze periodically collects all phone numbers stored in your device's contact book as part of the 'find friends' feature. According to the policy, this information is collected in an anonymous form to Waze and is used to identify other Waze users you may know. The terms also clarify that social network information can be shared with Waze and other users if you choose to connect your social network account. While the policy states that names, addresses, and other contact book information are not collected, some contact information may be saved locally on your device for local search purposes. You can control whether this feature operates by not using the 'find friends' feature or by not granting the app contact access through your device settings.
View change record →The policy states that GPS location, speed, routes, and travel time are collected during every app session; this data constitutes sensitive geolocation information that is shared with Google and third-party partners as described elsewhere in the policy.
How other platforms handle this
At Ledger, earning and maintaining our users' trust is a top priority. That's why we are deeply committed not only to protecting your privacy and securing your personal data, but also to being fully transparent about how we handle it.
If we collect health information from these integrations (such as heart rate), we will not sell or use it for advertising or other similar purposes; we do not disclose it to third parties without your prior consent; and we will only use it for the specific purposes described in this Policy.
We collect your personal data when you use our Services, create a new eBay account, provide us with information via a web form, add or update information in your eBay account, participate in online community discussions or otherwise interact with us.
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"When you use the Waze App, we collect: Location information: Waze collects your real-time location (GPS signals, device sensors, IP address, and other signals) while the App is running. This helps us provide turn-by-turn navigation and map services. We also collect information about your drives such as your speed, routes taken, and time of travel.— Excerpt from Waze's Waze Privacy Policy
1) REGULATORY LANDSCAPE: Precise geolocation data is classified as sensitive personal information under CCPA/CPRA, requiring a separate opt-out right for its use and disclosure beyond necessary service provision. Under GDPR, geolocation data requires an identified lawful basis; the policy cites legitimate interests and contractual performance, but the collection of granular driving behavior data may require scrutiny under the proportionality and necessity tests applicable to legitimate interests assessments. The FTC has historically scrutinized continuous location tracking in navigation contexts under Section 5 unfair or deceptive practices authority. 2) GOVERNANCE EXPOSURE: High. Continuous collection of precise GPS and driving behavior data creates significant compliance exposure under both GDPR and CCPA/CPRA. The scope of collection (speed, route, time, real-time position) constitutes a detailed behavioral profile; compliance teams must ensure that data minimization and purpose limitation obligations are satisfied and that retention periods are defined and enforced. 3) JURISDICTION FLAGS: California residents have a specific right under CPRA to limit the use and disclosure of sensitive personal information including precise geolocation; compliance with this right requires a functional opt-out mechanism distinct from general privacy settings. EU/EEA users are protected under GDPR Article 5 data minimization and Article 6 lawful basis requirements. Illinois users should note that while this is location data rather than biometric data, the state's general consumer privacy posture may be relevant in future legislative contexts. 4) CONTRACT AND VENDOR IMPLICATIONS: Enterprises using Waze for employee navigation (such as fleet management) should assess whether this collection constitutes employee monitoring under applicable labor laws in their jurisdiction, particularly in EU member states with works council requirements. Any B2B agreements incorporating Waze should address data controller/processor role allocation with respect to employee location data. 5) COMPLIANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Compliance teams should confirm that the CCPA/CPRA sensitive personal information opt-out mechanism for precise geolocation is operational and prominently disclosed. GDPR legitimate interests assessments (LIAs) should be documented and available for regulatory review. Data retention schedules specific to location and driving behavior data should be reviewed against regulatory minimization requirements.
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This provision establishes that precise location and detailed driving behavior data are collected continuously during app use, creating a comprehensive record of a user's physical movements and travel patterns.
The policy states that GPS location, speed, routes, and travel time are collected during every app session; this data constitutes sensitive geolocation information that is shared with Google and third-party partners as described elsewhere in the policy.
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