Waze collects your exact GPS location continuously while you use the app, and potentially when it runs in the background if you have allowed it, using this data for navigation and broader service improvement.
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
Precise, continuous location data is among the most sensitive personal information an app can collect, as it can reveal home address, workplace, medical appointments, religious attendance, and other sensitive patterns over time.
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 term…
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…
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 poli…
If you use Waze with background location enabled, your precise movements may be collected and retained even when you are not actively navigating, and this location data is shared with Google and other partners for purposes beyond just providing you directions.
How other platforms handle this
Uber collects precise or approximate location data from riders' and order recipients' mobile devices when the Uber app is running in the foreground (app open and on-screen) or background (app open but not on-screen) of their device. Uber collects this data from the time a ride or order is requested ...
We may collect the precise geographic location of your device when you use our services. We collect this information with your consent where required by law. You can withdraw your consent at any time by adjusting your device settings to disable location sharing.
When you visit the Careers portion of our websites, we collect the information that you provide to us in connection with your job application. This includes but is not limited to business and personal contact information, professional credentials and skills, educational and work history and other in...
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"When you use the App, we collect your precise geo-location information. This information is collected even when the App is running in the background, if you have enabled this feature. We use this information to provide you with the navigation services, to improve our services, and for other purposes described in this Privacy Policy.— Excerpt from Waze's Waze Privacy Policy
REGULATORY LANDSCAPE: Precise location data collection engages GDPR Article 5 data minimization and purpose limitation principles for EU/EEA users, with the Irish DPC as lead supervisory authority. CCPA classifies geolocation data as sensitive personal information subject to heightened opt-out rights. FTC guidance on mobile location data is directly relevant for US users. GOVERNANCE EXPOSURE: High. Background location collection, even when permissioned by the user, creates significant data minimization exposure under GDPR and CCPA. Regulators globally have scrutinized continuous background location collection by navigation apps, and the assertion of legitimate interests as a basis for this processing may face challenge. JURISDICTION FLAGS: EU/EEA users have the strongest protections, with rights to object to processing based on legitimate interests. California residents have the right to limit use of sensitive geolocation data. Illinois, New York, and other states with emerging location privacy statutes may create additional obligations. CONTRACT AND VENDOR IMPLICATIONS: Organizations deploying Waze for fleet or employee use should assess whether collecting employee location via Waze creates employment law obligations. Vendor contracts referencing Waze data should account for the fact that location data flows onward to Google affiliates. COMPLIANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Compliance teams should verify that consent mechanisms for background location are granular and informed, that retention periods for raw location data are documented and defensible, and that the legitimate interests assessment for background collection is formally recorded as required under GDPR.
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Precise, continuous location data is among the most sensitive personal information an app can collect, as it can reveal home address, workplace, medical appointments, religious attendance, and other sensitive patterns over time.
If you use Waze with background location enabled, your precise movements may be collected and retained even when you are not actively navigating, and this location data is shared with Google and other partners for purposes beyond just providing you directions.
No. ConductAtlas is an independent monitoring service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Waze.