Google No Longer Collecting Users' Location History on Maps App

Google will no longer have access to its users' location history data via its Maps app in a bid to improve data privacy for users.

The tech giant announced that all data from the Timeline feature in the app will only go to the users' devices instead of the cloud.

Google's decision is made "to explicitly bring an end" to the "geofence warrants" that allow law enforcement gain access to people's data, the Forbes reported.

Local and federal authorities have used the controversial warrant for Google to provide all data on mobile phones that passed through a specific area at a specific time.

Google to Stop Providing User Data to Law Enforcements Without Court Order

The decision comes as government surveillance continues to increase in the US.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation was previously reported to collect information about people who joined a Black Lives Matter protest in Seattle as part of its supposed investigation on an attempted arson.

Many defense attorneys have long opposed the use of this practice during investigations.

Google also recently faced pressure from Democrat politicians, urging the tech giant to stop collecting user location information in light of the Roe v. Wade being overturned.

Politicians assert that authorities and "far-right extremists" could use the internet data to incriminate individuals.

Last July, the tech giant announced that it deleted the location history of users who recently visited abortion clinics, drug treatment centers, and other health-related locations.

Tech Companies Implement Stricter Data Privacy Against Law Enforcement

The announcement comes after Apple is now requiring US authorities to obtain court orders to access its customers' push notifications.

Apple said the decision was to keep "our transparency reporting to detail these kinds of requests."

Google already has implemented similar security policies on push notifications earlier.