Google: Highly confidential data to be stored on the device in future along with encrypted cloud backup

When using the corresponding services (e.g. Google Search, Google Maps), Google not only has a good overview of the user's online activities, but also of the user's position and location history. This is fundamentally very personal information that allows conclusions to be drawn about one's personal life and habits. Then again, the location history feature is deactivated by default.

Now, Google has announced changes to the location history. In future, this will no longer be stored in the cloud, but on the device. However, those who are worried about losing or accidentally breaking their device can opt to back up their location history to the cloud so that it doesn't get lost. In such cases, Google states that the data will be automatically encrypted so that it cannot be read by anyone, including Google itself.

Furthermore, the default setting for automatic deletion of the location history has been changed. Data will now be deleted after 3 instead of 18 months, but users will still have the option of deactivating this setting if they wish to do so.

The two new changes are to be rolled out to both iOS and Android devices in the near future - an exact schedule has not yet been made public.

Lastly, Google has also announced that location history data relating to a specific location can now be easily deleted in Google Maps, such as a planned surprise party. In future, the blue dot in Google Maps will include options for location history, intended to provide users with easier and greater control over their own data.