Google Maps to start erasing data from cloud - Here's what it means for users and know how to keep it safe on your device

In what can be termed a significant change, tech giant Google is set to update its location data storing policy in the upcoming weeks. Users will have the option to block the company from tracking their movements. Google says that all the Maps data stored in the cloud will be deleted if users choose to do so. Users will also have the option to store their private data on their devices, which offers better security than storing it in the cloud. 

Google says that the Maps data will not be backed up in the upcoming weeks and users will be subsequently notified about this change. While the company planned to unveil these changes by December 1, the rollout appears to be gradual. Contextually, storing the location data on the device enables users to have greater control over what and how much data is available for users’ purposes. 

If users wish to keep data for a trip taken months back, Maps will assist with the details of the data stored. However, Maps will auto-delete the data after 3 months or 180 days if users decide to act against it. 

If you seek to have more control over the Maps location data, the following steps can be undertaken: 

- Open Maps

- Navigate to the top-right and click on the profile picture

- Tap on your timeline

- Turn on backup data by clicking on the cloud icon the top-right corner

- Verify your account password as asked by Google

- You can change the settings by turning Timeline on or off

According to Google, any location data deleted in the new Timeline will be permanently erased. The company also plans to ensure that all the stored data is unique on each device. This means that if a user deletes data on one device, it will remain on the other device.