Google tracks Android user's location even when location services are disabled

[FIVR]

I wonder if Android users ever factor in all the data Google steals from them in their ridiculous arguments about how Android is so much "cheaper" than iPhone. Personally, my privacy is worth more than $300. I guess if you have nothing going on in your life, who cares? That's the logic: "I'm such a loser, why would Google want to steal my data? I'm ugly and can barely afford a smartphone. Nobody would ever want to spy on me..."

Sadly, it appears Google does not care if you're ugly or boring or poor, they still spy on you.


https://qz.com/1131515/google-colle...ons-even-when-location-services-are-disabled/

 

[neuronton]

I wonder if Android users ever factor in all the data Google steals from them in their ridiculous arguments about how Android is so much "cheaper" than iPhone. Personally, my privacy is worth more than $300. I guess if you have nothing going on in your life, who cares? That's the logic: "I'm such a loser, why would Google want to steal my data? I'm ugly and can barely afford a smartphone. Nobody would ever want to spy on me..."

Sadly, it appears Google does not care if you're ugly or boring or poor, they still spy on you.


https://qz.com/1131515/google-colle...ons-even-when-location-services-are-disabled/

Wow. And you never realized that you weren't told about the government having all your information too I bet. Bogus security issue if you're concerned. You're always tracked no matter where you are with cell towers. And you don't know you're a victim until Apple told you about that thing they had an issue with. You're not safe. Learn from the past. Even the government gave up and said we spy. Your choice of phone isn't changing your security for the better .. Its making you less secure having one. And so is the internet which is not the entire root but close to the root. I mean you didn't know crap about anything until you read it and it's been years long. Learn your lesson from stupid other places that aleady told you you're spied on always like wiki leaks.

 

[FIVR]

Wow. And you never realized that you weren't told about the government having all your information too I bet. Bogus security issue if you're concerned. You're always tracked no matter where you are with cell towers. And you don't know you're a victim until Apple told you about that thing they had an issue with. You're not safe. Learn from the past. Even the government gave up and said we spy. Your choice of phone isn't changing your security for the better .. Its making you less secure having one. And so is the internet which is not the entire root but close to the root. I mean you didn't know crap about anything until you read it and it's been years long. Learn your lesson from stupid other places that aleady told you you're spied on always like wiki leaks.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

So... android users should know better and expect to be spied on? Because the NSA does it, it's OK for Google? How could they be so stupid as to expect to not be spied on and lied to, eh?


Sounds like a lot of whataboutism to me. It also sounds like you think android users are stupid and/or do not care about privacy. I disagree, they are merely not well-endowed financially and ignorant about how they are being treated.

 

[neuronton]

Google is a company that encompasses so much more than what you're imagining. As a partner, I'm insulted you don't even understand that it's not tracking not spying and it's not Google in the instance quoted. it's unknown android is that isn't sourced quoted or named to identify its operating system. Android 8.1 is different than my 4.42.. two differernt phones I use from Samsung and Motorola equally fit to use. Your carrier is the spy and you already were told the government is allowed to take Google and apples tracking along with cell towers which carriers like att and Verizon own and pay for (often bids for cell towers approach towns and zoning etc departments) are accessed by all phones.. Regardless who owns and the government can take any data from your carrier any tower any company that provides internet services and you and I have had it done. it hasn't stoppd

 

[neuronton]

Google is a company that encompasses so much more than what you're imagining. As a partner, I'm insulted you don't even understand that it's not tracking not spying and it's not Google in the instance quoted. it's unknown android is that isn't sourced quoted or named to identify its operating system. Android 8.1 is different than my 4.42.. two differernt phones I use from Samsung and Motorola equally fit to use. Your carrier is the spy and you already were told the government is allowed to take Google and apples tracking along with cell towers which carriers like att and Verizon own and pay for (often bids for cell towers approach towns and zoning etc departments) are accessed by all phones.. Regardless who owns and the government can take any data from your carrier any tower any company that provides internet services and you and I have had it done. it hasn't stopped. Your information and mine are permanently stored for whatever use that Lord knows could potentially happen. Yes, Apple has all your tracking and history passwords etc and much worse Privacy stolen that can be mentioned. But there's also what bothers me more and that's something like hacked information from companies that have our information insecure like equifax that have proved to been used against us and I'm one of half Americans with a stolen life not a picked up signal of a tower that the article says wasn't used and was encrypted. That's the definition of security priority versus companies who sold my life and had the ability to and didn't secure what really matters versus a bleep that isn't usable to anyone for any timely reasonable action while knowing they were responsible. I think you just misread the information completely and don't understand the differences between security tracking networking etc and what didn't happen and how google actually kept us safe versus half of Americans exposed to their entire possible real threat of id theft. Ask if you aren't a victim about how safety of taking safety a priority and not telling us for a reason is important if you are making security changes for obvious reasons, versus ignoring the known vulnerable issues and place to get real spy information that profits from it but ignored even against taking action upon being warned of their issue

 

[FIVR]

(Spam removed)

It looks like you are not able to edit your posts using your Samsung phone. I'm sure it is not the result of lower app quality on android, which is (of course) a myth and a conspiracy.

 

[FIVR]

Google is a company that encompasses so much more than what you're imagining. As a partner, I'm insulted you don't even understand that it's not tracking not spying and it's not Google in the instance quoted. it's unknown android is that isn't sourced quoted or named to identify its operating system. Android 8.1 is different than my 4.42.. two differernt phones I use from Samsung and Motorola equally fit to use. Your carrier is the spy and you already were told the government is allowed to take Google and apples tracking along with cell towers which carriers like att and Verizon own and pay for (often bids for cell towers approach towns and zoning etc departments) are accessed by all phones.. Regardless who owns and the government can take any data from your carrier any tower any company that provides internet services and you and I have had it done. it hasn't stopped

(Spam removed)

Could you show me some evidence that when I turn off location services on my iPhone, that Apple stops using or storing my location data?

That was what google has been caught doing. They have a switch that says "we won't use your data" and in fact that switch does NOTHING and all your data gets used by google for advertising.


What would Apple even use that data for in your ridiculous conspiracy theory? Apple has no platforms that serve ads, and does not monetize its data. What are you even talking about?


Unlike Google, Apple have taken a consistent stand on protecting their customers privacy. They have a lot to lose if they are caught doing something like this. Google has sheep who will gladly make excuses and Google is already known as a company that takes people's data and sells it to advertisers. They know their sheep user base will just argue that everyone already knew they'd be spied on so "who cares?".

 

[MrSquished]

Do you own a Steve Jobs blow up doll dude?

 

[dawheat]

This is valid news to share but it's done with the intelligence of a howling monkey.

 

[neuronton]

Seems you really don't know what you are reading. As explained. I'm a Google partner with multiple android version phones.. The difference being many years apart. Like between windows 7 and Windows 10.. completely different animals and Google is the company behind Android. You are leaving out your smarts by not mentioning IOS once which shows your lack of understanding the most basic of basics. Not all friggin phones run the same damn software damnit. You are suggesting that they have a loophole not closed by me or that they always had this... that's what you are take away completely wrong. Not to mention.. I did say Partner but developer is one title for many products of Google software I work for. Listing them may be endless but i certainly develop applications and also have that access to all code that would let me load whatever scenario where I can pull the same scenario. Unfortunately, I have no clue why that was so poorly written from any allegation without sourcing it out or naming names because its suggesting they have information that they are privileged to but the premise is flawed. There isn't any setting to show a proof. There isn't anyone saying it's true because otherwise that would be the end of that and it would stop. Inherit design flaws are disclosed if ever found all the hell over for the public on googles developer.google.com site for everyone. This would also guarantee liability and damage control mode at Google. Please get an understanding of what you are really trying to find. I'll admit the writer is terrible and offers nothing but don't believe such nonsense without any basic journalists way to name names source documents and be specific. It's nothing but words without power so don't take it like you understand what even this article is lacking in words amongst brains

 

[neuronton]

This is valid news to share but it's done with the intelligence of a howling monkey.

funny how i had to mention that too but i was typing before you beat me to it. That's the takeaway..

 

[neuronton]

Do you own a Steve Jobs blow up doll dude?

Jesus Christ you'd think he'd get the hint that Steve can take a night off from that kinky stuff but protecting the honor of the fallen for no better reason but discredit anything not Steve is a cult fan boy's tragic life

 

[Zaap]

Do you own a Steve Jobs blow up doll dude?

Apparently, everyone else besides the OP is too ugly, poor and boring to be owned by "The Steve" doll.

 

[WelshBloke]

Could you show me some evidence that when I turn off location services on my iPhone, that Apple stops using or storing my location data?

Didn't Apple get caught doing exactly this a few years ago?

Anyway. I was under the impression that your phone needs to log cell tower connections to actually work as a phone.

 

[FIVR]

Didn't Apple get caught doing exactly this a few years ago?

Anyway. I was under the impression that your phone needs to log cell tower connections to actually work as a phone.

No they were not caught doing exactly that. I don't know what you're referring to.



Your phone needs the tower locations but Google doesn't need to use those locations (and the locations of your friends around you) to target you with ads. That is what they currently do.


If Google was honest, they would remove the option to disable location services and inform their users/products that all their location data will be used to finance Google at all times.

 

[WelshBloke]

No they were not caught doing exactly that. I don't know what you're referring to.

https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/201...tion-without-your-consent-and-why-it-matters/

Your phone needs the tower locations but Google doesn't need to use those locations (and the locations of your friends around you) to target you with ads. That is what they currently do.


If Google was honest, they would remove the option to disable location services and inform their users/products that all their location data will be used to finance Google at all times.

I'd rather they use cell tower triangulation for location when they can just to cut down on battery use tbh.

 

[clamum]

Just read an article about this. Man the OP reeks of an Apple fanboy, though, lol. That or you'd think Google had raped his mother and father and then burned down his house.

The data was apparently discarded and they "never incorporated Cell ID into our network sync system" (not clear to me what "network sync system" is, maybe when they store stuff?) but as soon as Quartz contacted them about this they confirmed it and now they're removing it by the end of November.

It's not excessively concerning to me considering the lack of privacy with things in this day and age (if you're using modern technology), but what gets me the most is the carelessness or flippancy that user privacy seems to be given. That should be held up as something important and should not be compromised unless it's absolutely necessary; to "further improve the speed and performance of" push notification delivery? That's f'ing B.S.

 

[WelshBloke]

Just read an article about this. Man the OP reeks of an Apple fanboy, though, lol. That or you'd think Google had raped his mother and father and then burned down his house.

The data was apparently discarded and they "never incorporated Cell ID into our network sync system" (not clear to me what "network sync system" is, maybe when they store stuff?) but as soon as Quartz contacted them about this they confirmed it and now they're removing it by the end of November.

It's not excessively concerning to me considering the lack of privacy with things in this day and age (if you're using modern technology), but what gets me the most is the carelessness or flippancy that user privacy seems to be given. That should be held up as something important and should not be compromised unless it's absolutely necessary; to "further improve the speed and performance of" push notification delivery? That's f'ing B.S.

I think its that the use of location data is ubiquitous with smartphones. Personally I dont really see why it matters if its cell triangulation data or GPS data myself.
I can see that the option to turn location data off should turn it all off but thats going to break a lot of functionality plus its technically disengenous anyway.

 

[neuronton]

OP just so that it's clear, this isn't a serious issue or like Apple as you reference would do is breach all phones through the ios backdoor to force install a patch obviously invading your phone...and life. but they already have done it too many times to link you can reference their IOS development section articles to view it as a 'what's new' outlining the exploits. This hadn't been reported widely like many times Lester Holt has said another Apple freeze or breach. You can't discredit without speaking to the reporter to verify the entirety.. However the one thing everyone else who isn't spreading fear due to the fact that it probably caused you to have a seizure from I'm sure agreed with the other folks knowledgeable enough to point out the highlights I intended to have you settle down with. a terrible report job was done and I've never seen such a garbage junk piece ignoring every basic journalism 101 reporting of who what where etc. The details and impression seemed like this was attempting to prove they uncovered the dirty truth and we're not going to say how but leave the who and details selectively out. So writing an article that specific wouldn't be sufficient without not the do called spokesperson but the development team or someone from the main oversight of the entire Android OS projects. So you don't get anything but a headline that made you think an attack is coming and all need repent for some reason to the apple gods whos software is copyright and yet it steals from Unix at the same time. So paying premiums doesn't make you better to answer that terrible way to counter the main point. If there was more harm than not you better believe it'd be on the news but you don't because it's trash. More would be negatively impacted with trying to implement counter actions suggested.

 

[dainthomas]

No they were not caught doing exactly that. I don't know what you're referring to.



Your phone needs the tower locations but Google doesn't need to use those locations (and the locations of your friends around you) to target you with ads. That is what they currently do.


If Google was honest, they would remove the option to disable location services and inform their users/products that all their location data will be used to finance Google at all times.

The saying I heard somewhere regarding internet services was that "If something is free, the product is you." That applies to every company.

 

[OWR88]

People need to stop complaining about everything. This thread is ridiculous.

No one is stopping you from using a flip phone.

 

[thilanliyan]

I'm pretty "well-endowed" financially, but I still don't want an iPhone

Symbian, Bada, Meego, WinPho, BB10 and currently Android have all served me well, and i have never had my identity stolen or anything.... Maybe I'm a bit more tech savvy than the average consumer though.

 

[FIVR]

https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/201...tion-without-your-consent-and-why-it-matters/

This article is about iOS 4 and says nothing about Apple using any data for ads or anything else. It just claims that the phone stores the location data, which is well-known. Apple has since repeatedly stated that all their data is anonymized and is not available to 3rd parties. They do use location data for traffic prediction and for fixing errata, but they do not use it for ads like google and it is always anonymized. If you have real evidence that Apple is using location or other data for ads like Google is then please show it.


Sad that you had to look back to articles from nearly a decade ago to excuse Google for lying to people today, and you couldn't even find what you said you found (Apple doing the "same thing").

 

[FIVR]

The saying I heard somewhere regarding internet services was that "If something is free, the product is you." That applies to every company.

EXACTLY!

Android phones should come with a price tag that says right beside the price "This is how many $ we will make selling your data for the 12 months this phone probably still works"

 

[WelshBloke]

This article is about iOS 4 and says nothing about Apple using any data for ads or anything else. It just claims that the phone stores the location data, which is well-known. Apple has since repeatedly stated that all their data is anonymized and is not available to 3rd parties. They do use location data for traffic prediction and for fixing errata, but they do not use it for ads like google and it is always anonymized. If you have real evidence that Apple is using location or other data for ads like Google is then please show it.


Sad that you had to look back to articles from nearly a decade ago to excuse Google for lying to people today, and you couldn't even find what you said you found (Apple doing the "same thing").

You said "Could you show me some evidence that when I turn off location services on my iPhone, that Apple stops using or storing my location data?"

I said they did that a few years ago.
Which is what that article showed. That Apple was logging and storing cell tower locations without the users permission. Which is exactly what you were complaining about Google doing.

Also "Apple has since repeatedly stated that all their data is anonymized", you cant really anonymize location data. If I see user 476 repeatedly goes to an adtess every night and a different one every weekday I have probably got your home and work address.