Do you allow Google to anonymously collect your location data?

[deadken]

I use my Nexus 4 and an application called Sports Tracker to track my runs and bike rides. I used to use my old Exhibit II and I can't remember if I added the cell phone tower filtering to more accurately keep track of my distances.

With the Nexus 4, under the 'location access' tab (withing 'settings') I can select 'Wi-Fi & mobile network location'. I'm able to "Let apps use Google's location service to estimate your location faster. Anonymous location data will be collected and sent to Google". I haven't selected that yet, because I'm rather unhappy with the amount of information being collected about all of us. I'm not really worried about my specific data if it is truly anonymous, but learning about all of the data the NSA is gathering from companies is bothersome. Frankly, I would worry less if I learned about all of this from a 'regular' news story. But, the fact that the only reason 99.9% of us even have a clue about it is that some 'whistle blowers' released the information is what I find troubling.

So, I ask you guys, do you allow google to anonymously collect your data about your location?

Please realize that I already know that they collect tons of information about me and every search that I do. I'm specifically asking about location data. Also, please realize that I put 'whistle blowers' in semi-quotes. I don't want to debate whether those guys are heros, traitors, etc... in this thread.

-Thanks, Ken

 

[gorcorps]

Yes, because that permission is tied to the use of wifi and network towers to help gps lock... Or at least appears to be on my S4 Active. In my location settings if I tick the box for wifi and network location, then it's a pop-up box that asks if I want to allow anonymous data to be collected. If I say 'disagree' then the box unchecks itself. So it seems like the use of mobile network location is tied to that agreement, or at least mine is.

 

[soccerballtux]

they tie it to using google maps to make you use it. obviously they are not related.

 

[deadken]

Yes, mine does the same. If I check the box, I can always 'disagree' in the pop up window. Unfortunately, it definitely seems tied together in that there seems to be no way to get the better accuracy without giving away the data.

I think that when I'm running, the cell phone towers improve the accuracy significantly. As you said, it even seems to cut down the time it takes to get a GPS 'lock'. I'm not interested in giving away my information, if there is nothing to gain for my runs and rides tracking. Perhaps, if this wasn't just a hobby, I'd take it more seriously. But since I'm just an amateur, I don't need to be precise. I do realize, that it *might* just be that they want that kind of information to better serve clients that advertise with them. Ultimately, they could point out: We know of X,XXX people that go past your place of business every week, don't you want to target ads to them?

So, I guess ultimately, I'm wondering how much I'd be giving away for that improvement in accuracy. As I stated earlier, I'm not nearly as comfortable with this stuff as I was a few months ago. I'm wondering how others are feeling and interested in learning how it could possibly affect things. I'm trying to figure out the pros and cons of this 'big data' world.

I don't think I've mentioned this yet, but it says somewhere that data would be collected 'even when no apps are needing it'. That kinda really bothered me.

EDIT: I'm sorry to say that I can't understand the reply from soccerballtux. I'm interested in what he has to say, but without being more specific I don't know what it is or who they are (I don't know if he was responding to my OP or to gorcorps post).

 

[corkyg]

I do not use or need the GPS function in my phone. I don't go anywhere that I am ashamed of - I have no expectation of privacy on anything that flies through the ether. It is good for law enforcement o track a phone should it be stolen or involved in a crime. Nevertheless, I turn that feasture off mainly so as not to waste battery power.

 

[Tom]

If an app uses Google's location service to track your location, how is it going to work if you don't let Google's location service track you ?

btw, can people see you riding your bike or do you have cloaking technology ?

 

[deadken]

Thanks for an interesting perspective CorkyG. While I'm not ashamed of where I go, that isn't the point. My concerns are just how much liberty I'm giving up directly compared to how much better my life would be with 'more accurate, quicker lock' tracking. Again, thanks, as I didn't even consider how much battery power it could use.

Ummm... The app uses GPS to track me, not google. I have the choice of allowing google to make the GPS more accurate and lock on my location faster, IF I give them information (not just when I'm using GPS, but all the time).

I have the latest in cloaking technology for my bike. But, it's too cumbersome to carry when I run... See, someone figured out exactly why I'm so concerned... Lot's of clever people in Tennessee...

 

[Tom]

Thanks for an interesting perspective CorkyG. While I'm not ashamed of where I go, that isn't the point. My concerns are just how much liberty I'm giving up directly compared to how much better my life would be with 'more accurate, quicker lock' tracking. Again, thanks, as I didn't even consider how much battery power it could use.

Ummm... The app uses GPS to track me, not google. I have the choice of allowing google to make the GPS more accurate and lock on my location faster, IF I give them information (not just when I'm using GPS, but all the time).

I have the latest in cloaking technology for my bike. But, it's too cumbersome to carry when I run... See, someone figured out exactly why I'm so concerned... Lot's of clever people in Tennessee...

The app doesn't use the gps, it uses Google's location service. Which uses the gps if you let it.

If you think about it, this is a lot safer than letting anyone make an app that can track your location by using the gps directly.

 

[BrightCandle]

I used to allow the tracking of my location a few months ago but no longer nor will I ever again. Not 100% sure what my next steps are but I am definitely going to work out how to get my privacy back.

 

[NikolaeVarius]

Yes. I actually need to use my phone, and privacy concerns are overblown with this kind of stuff.

 

[thedosbox]

Not 100% sure what my next steps are but I am definitely going to work out how to get my privacy back.

Stop using networked devices.

Where "networked" includes the ability to pinpoint your location, whether through GPS, wifi, NFC, telepathy or other means.

 

[Skel]

Do they explain somewhere what they collect and store with that data, or how they use it? I remember reading some article on how Google was creating better ads based upon how long someone is in a store, but was never sure if that was someone's concern on what could happen or if they were doing it. It does concern me that a company can track that much of me and put together a profile on who I am based upon my location tracking and web surfing.

 

[MagickMan]

Maybe a couple years ago, but not now. My trust has been sorely abused.

 

[FeuerFrei]

These days I only allow GPS or network-based location pinpointing when I'm using google Maps to navigate. The rest of the time (i.e. most days) I have location access blocked for all apps. I hate it when I open the VEVO video app and it tries to check my GPS coordinates. None of your business, VEVO.

I'd like a lot more granular control when it comes to location access. I need to be able to specify which apps can access my location and when.

 

[zerocool84]

If you own any smartphone from any company, your personal info is getting used for them to make money. No way around it.

 

[deadken]

If you own any smartphone from any company, your personal info is getting used for them to make money. No way around it.

While I'm not disputing that, it doesn't mean that I should necessarily digitally sign away even more freedoms for slightly better accuracy and slightly better lock times. Also, making money off of my location is one thing exploiting my personal information for pure profit is a different thing. I like to think of myself as a reasonable guy (be it true or not, I do like to think of myself that way). Clearly state what I'm giving up and what I'm getting for it, and I'll make an educated decision about what I feel comfortable with. Be vague, collect location information when GPS isn't in use and don't tell me when, where, and why and I'm leaning towards staying as far 'off-the-grid' as I can without severely impacting / affecting how I live.

All-in-all: Thank you guys for all of the responses. Whether I agree or disagree with your viewpoint, I appreciate you taking the time to share it and / or explain your position.

Hopefully, someone will eventually explain in a cut-and-dry fashion what the pros and cons are and why we should care about each.

 

[shortylickens]

I disable all privacy invasion when I install new apps or buy new hardware.

My beef is that all that shit is turned on by default, and sometimes updates re-enable or add things.

Of course facebook is a worse offender than google.

 

[WelshBloke]

Meh. If you use any sort of phone your location is being tracked. Thats how cell phones work.

 

[Oyeve]

Yes because I'm not a paranoid schizo.

 

[dainthomas]

Yes because I'm not a paranoid schizo.

this

 

[vshah]

hell yes, i want to know when i've traveled to the moon!

 

[Zaap]

Yes because I'm not a paranoid schizo.

This too.

 

[lothar]

Yes because I'm not a paranoid schizo.

What he said.

If you're that paranoid, then stop using smartphones and use only dumbphones.
And stop using email, Skype, anything in the "cloud", and all other forms of electronic communication.