Google Maps already tracks you; now other people can, too

washingtontimes ^ | MICHAEL LIEDTKE

[davikkm]

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Google Maps users will soon be able to broadcast their movements to friends and family via the app - the latest test of how much privacy people are willing to sacrifice in an era of rampant sharing. The location-monitoring feature will begin rolling out Wednesday in an update to the Google Maps mobile app, which is already installed on most of the world’s smartphones. It will also be available on personal computers. Google believes the new tool will be a more convenient way for people to let someone know where they are without having to text or call them. The Mountain View, California, company has set up the controls so individuals can decide with whom they want to share their whereabouts and for how long - anywhere from a few minutes to indefinitely.

[FlipWilson]

Yes, but that’s not surveillance according to James, “I am not aware” Comey.

[Doogle]

Google believes the new tool will be a more convenient way for people to let someone know where they are without having to text or call them

WRONG!...they will know where your phone is

[Adder]

Don’t they already know that thanks to the 911 setting that you can’t disable?

[Gay State Conservative]

A couple of years ago there was a feature called "Google Locations" with which you could track another's location *if* that person consented to be part of the deal.I had it with several relatives and it was kinda cool but,for us at least,not particularly useful or necessary.

Google did away with it and I'd bet the clothes on my back it was because they were successfully sued by some woman whose ex used it to stalk her.

In fact my car has a feature where you can use an app to find the car...but it only works if you're within a half mile of the car.Again,I'll bet stalking is why it's not more than a half mile.

[jr3000]

But Locations ( current location NOW ) and history/timeline have been available to users for many years. I use it on myself and on my very old folks who are 80s and 90s. I check to make sure they’re moving around.

[Windflier]

I want my dumb phone back.

[Blue Highway]

Big brother, no thanks

[Psalm 73]

I don’t carry a cell phone and don’t use GPS. If it wasn’t for that CIA implant in my brain they would never know where I was....

[sarge83]

I think Comey’s Democrat stooge McCabe knows where all the skeletons are, who was surveilled, when, who ordered it and how and I think Comey knows this and tells McCabe I want to know nothing in case I am asked and you continue doing what you are doing. Comey is a slick lying little weasel.