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
This provision establishes the scope and ongoing nature of location data collection as a core operational function. The authorization for background collection expands the collection window beyond active app engagement, affecting the volume and temporal range of geolocation data available to the service provider.
The updated policy now applies to users of any age by removing the prior 16+ requirement, but does not explicitly state whether parental consent is required for minors. The policy defines Personal Information more broadly to include location, route information, and data reasonably linked to you by Waze. The company removed documentation of the 'find friends' feature that previously collected phone numbers from device contacts, suggesting that feature is no longer active or has been redesigned. Privacy controls remain available through in-app settings where you can adjust which Personal Information Waze collects and how it is used.
View change record →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
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.
"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 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.
Enforcement risk, jurisdiction flags, contract triggers, and due diligence action items.
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.
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This provision establishes the scope and ongoing nature of location data collection as a core operational function. The authorization for background collection expands the collection window beyond active app engagement, affecting the volume and temporal range of geolocation data available to the service provider.
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.
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 Waze.