Hidden map on iOS tracks your travels every day but the data is encrypted
At left is the iOS feature Significant Locations, and at right is Android’s Timeline
Since you need to turn on Location Services for Apple Maps, Google Maps, Weather apps, Ride Share apps, Social Media apps, and more, you probably have already opted in without knowing it. So you might want to keep Locations Settings on and trust that your Significant Locations are indeed encrypted.
You can clear the Significant Locations data on your phone by tapping on the Clear History button at the bottom of the Significant Locations page. If you don’t mind missing out on some features including mapping apps, another option is to toggle off Location Services. Frankly, your best bet is to keep the latter enabled and use the Clear History button instead.
Recently there was some controversy about this feature after a TikTok user produced a video claiming that Apple was using Significant Locations to spy on users. But as we already mentioned, this info is encrypted and is also guarded by Face ID and Touch ID.
Android tracks you daily with its Timeline feature
Android has a feature that allows you to check your travels on a specific date called Timeline. However, you can delete any particular location you traveled to or even edit it. And the whole feature can be disabled. Go to System > Location > Location services > Google Location History.
Personally, and this is just yours truly, I find that the benefits of keeping these features enabled surely tops having them disabled. What is your take on the matter? How do you set your phone? Let us know by dropping your comment in the box below.
