Google's Location Tracking Persisted Despite User Opt-Outs

A 2018 AP investigation revealed that Google continued collecting location data from Android and iPhone users even when they explicitly turned off Location History. The practice relied on a separate 'Web & App Activity' setting that most users did not know existed. In 2022, Google agreed to a $391.5 million settlement with 40 US attorneys general — the largest privacy settlement in US history at the time. According to reports, Google employees internally raised concerns about the confusing settings design, with one employee writing that the UI made it 'impossible' for users to stop location tracking.

google has been the subject of increasing scrutiny over its location tracking practices. Privacy researchers and regulatory bodies across multiple jurisdictions have documented concerns about how the company handles user data, particularly regarding consent, transparency, and data minimization principles. The findings suggest a pattern of prioritizing business metrics over user privacy, a trend observed across the broader technology industry. Users affected by these practices have limited recourse without proactive intervention such as filing formal complaints with data protection authorities or submitting DSAR requests.

Regulatory responses have varied significantly. European data protection authorities have been more aggressive in enforcement under GDPR, while US enforcement remains fragmented across state-level privacy laws. The investigation highlights the need for stronger federal privacy legislation and more transparent corporate data practices. Affected users should consider reviewing their privacy settings, submitting data deletion requests, and exploring privacy-preserving alternatives recommended by independent researchers.