(TheConservativeTimes.org) – Google possesses a hidden feature that can tell the exact locations of where you have been, as well as the photos that an individual may have taken while being there, according to a Fox News report.
The feature, embedded in the Google Maps and Photos app, appears like a weather map, only the weather patterns displayed are actually places you have been. It is the latest reported example of how Google and other big tech companies harvest your data and track your every move.
There is a way to see this map. First, launch the Google Photos app. In the bottom bar, tap the “search” button. Under the “Places” section, one is able to see all their photos, as well as the physical location where the photo was taken. Once at this point, the “Your map” section will reveal the map showing all the images taken in specific areas.
The feature, however, is far from the only instance of big tech companies tracking consumers’ data. Every website, including those managed and owned by big tech companies, can see identifying data such as your IP address, name, email address, and phone number.
Some information, such as your name or phone number, can sometimes be hidden if you choose not to provide it. Still, most big tech companies like Twitter or Google require a valid phone number upon sign-up as an additional security measure. A person’s IP address is perhaps one of the most revealing pieces of information, as it can disclose your location, your internet service provider (ISP), and your exact longitude and latitude coordinates on many free online IP address location tools.
The specific type of information collected can vary depending on the company. The main ways a company can see your data, according to Forbes, is by asking for it, tracking your activity while you’re using their services, or buying the data from data collection firms who specialize in mass data collection.
Copyright 2023, TheConservativeTimes.org
