Google collects Android users’ locations even when location services are disable

[Vitorrio]

It seems that Google has been tracking the locations of all Android users all the time, by identifying their Internet connection or through other means (even though it might not be as accurate as compared to the GPS tracking when the location of the device's is activated by the user) in order to get them more relevant advertisements.

Since the beginning of 2017, Android phones have been collecting the addresses of nearby cellular towers—even when location services are disabled—and sending that data back to Google. The result is that Google, the unit of Alphabet behind Android, has access to data about individuals’ locations and their movements that go far beyond a reasonable consumer expectation of privacy.

Even without a carried SIM card inserted, Google have been using cell towers to get the address of the device.

The cell tower addresses have been included in information sent to the system Google uses to manage push notifications and messages on Android phones for the past 11 months, according to a Google spokesperson.

A Google spokesperson claims that the company didn't store the data about the locations and that they will delete all data by the end of this month.

They were never used or stored, the spokesperson said, and the company is now taking steps to end the practice after being contacted by Quartz. By the end of November, the company said, Android phones will no longer send cell-tower location data to Google, at least as part of this particular service, which consumers cannot disable.

You can read the full articles by clicking the links below:
https://qz.com/1131515/google-collects-android-users-locations-even-when-location-services-are-disabled/
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/nov/22/google-track-android-users-location-services-turned-off-sim

[Stivi]

You don't want them to collect data? Stop using techonology.

Time and information is the way if you wanna make shitload of money. Google, and not only, has them both.

[Huntsman]

Lol. Reminds me how people freaked out of "Windows 10 privacy issues". It's 2017, your data is the greatest product in the techonology market. If you don't like being tracked, throw out your computer and your smartphone.

[Kowalski.]

Lol. Reminds me how people freaked out of "Windows 10 privacy issues". It's 2017, your data is the greatest product in the techonology market. If you don't like being tracked, throw out your computer and your smartphone.

So true haha

It's not like you're trying to go off the bloody grid. If Android tracks you, switch to a Nokia. They are indestructible.

[Stivi]

So true haha

It's not like you're trying to go off the bloody grid. If Android tracks you, switch to a Nokia. They are indestructible.

How will a Nokia be better, unless you're talking about the 3310? Because any smartphone can have an app that will track you, I mean look at the permissions they require on Android. A keyboard app needs access to your camera? A game needs your gallery, camera, microphone? They sure as hell don't need them, but we give them permission ourselves.

Try Facebook ya'll.. Talk about buying something next to your phone and view the sweet juicy ads a while after on Facebook

[Huntsman]

How will a Nokia be better, unless you're talking about the 3310? Because any smartphone can have an app that will track you, I mean look at the permissions they require on Android. A keyboard app needs access to your camera? A game needs your gallery, camera, microphone? They sure as hell don't need them, but we give them permission ourselves.

Try Facebook ya'll.. Talk about buying something next to your phone and view the sweet juicy ads a while after on Facebook

Precisely,

They literally display an ad to you, and if they find that you were at the locations it's sold at, they'll realise their ads were effective and spam you with even more of the same ad.
A video everyone should watch:

[Marcel]

Precisely,

They literally display an ad to you, and if they find that you were at the locations it's sold at, they'll realise their ads were effective and spam you with even more of the same ad.
A video everyone should watch:

Lol, you make it sound like there's an actual human being clicking a button to show you those ads. It's all done by algorithms which are cost-effective at what they do. Pretty much the only way these companies can make a profit.

[Huntsman]

Lol, you make it sound like there's an actual human being clicking a button to show you those ads. It's all done by algorithms which are cost-effective at what they do. Pretty much the only way these companies can make a profit.

I am not saying that, I know that. I am just saying that it's happenning. And yes, I do not worry about it to be honest. Such big websites need to pay their developers, they need to support themselves. With it being a free service, this is the only viable way for them to earn Money. So I don't really care. I am not an Al Qaeda terrorist, they got nothing on me 

[Marcel]

I am not saying that, I know that. I am just saying that it's happenning. And yes, I do not worry about it to be honest. Such big websites need to pay their developers, they need to support themselves. With it being a free service, this is the only viable way for them to earn Money. So I don't really care. I am not an Al Qaeda terrorist, they got nothing on me 

Yeah no worries I was joking mate

I have nothing to hide neither. The CIA probably already knows about my ...

[Stivi]

Pretty much the only way these companies can make a profit.

True, at this point they can't go back to "pay for website and we wont track you" as it would probably bring in less money. Although even users who pay for "no-ads" are still tracked, for when their subscription ends 


But if any of you don't want ads, and don't wanna pay, consider moving to Albania, where the economy is great. We don't have advertisers, and therefore we have so few ads It's a good life if you don't wanna spend a dime on Youtube or Spotify or whatever.

[Marcel]

True, at this point they can't go back to "pay for website and we wont track you" as it would probably bring in less money. Although even users who pay for "no-ads" are still tracked, for when their subscription ends 


But if any of you don't want ads, and don't wanna pay, consider moving to Albania, where the economy is great. We don't have advertisers, and therefore we have so few ads It's a good life if you don't wanna spend a dime on Youtube or Spotify or whatever.

Most important question is: do you guys have meat and alcohol?

[Kowalski.]

You're talking about the 3310?

Yes, I mean the 3310.

[Norrage]

And thats why I study Marketing, welcome to the future.

[Stivi]

Most important question is: do you guys have meat and alcohol?

Yes, lots of meat, and lots of Raki.

[TriHard89]

ResidentSleeper

Nothing new Google been doing this shady practice for ages now.