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Android Devices Collect Location Data, Send it to Google

Apr 22, 2011, 7:38 AM by Eric M. Zeman

Earlier this week, researchers discovered that the Apple iPhone records users' location data, syncs it back to the host computer and stores it there in unencrypted, but invisible, files. What happens to that data in not yet fully understood. The Wall Street Journal points out that smartphones running Google's Android platform also collect user data but take it one step further. Security analyst Samy Kamkar reported that an HTC Android phone "collected its location every few seconds and transmitted the data to Google at least several times an hour. It also transmitted the name, location and signal strength of any nearby Wi-Fi networks, as well as a unique phone identifier." Google has said in the past that it collects cell phone location data in order to help generate the live traffic information it provides on Google Maps. The revelations this week have prompted concerns over user privacy.

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Comments

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This forum is closed.

pickles

Apr 26, 2011, 8:00 PM

told you guise

yup nobody ever listen to pickles, that guy's a loon

cellgeek82

Apr 22, 2011, 8:44 AM

Knew it

When I heard all the hubub about Apple collecting location data I had a feeling Android (Google) was next in line to receive it's 10 lashes.

C'mon folks, it's Google. If Apple is guilty of collecting location data, you know darn well the information-hungry company Google would be doing this too. I'm not really offended. I mean, with all the apps like Latitude, Facebook, Navigation, Google Maps etc. it makes sense that you're phone is collection location data. But the fact that Apple and Google are collecting it in a data base is another subject. I think fanboys of both Apple and Android can come to common ground on this matter considering that both companies are guilty of the same crime.

jacobd

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Versed

Screw them both, I'm not going to defend one or the other, they should stop it now. And I do agree, after I read the who iphone tracking, I knew Google was doing it as well.

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el3sixfive

You know one of them wont. But as much as these two work together on things its not surprising. The phone are more alike than different. I bet Blackberries do it to.

MileHigh8710

Apr 22, 2011, 9:13 AM

Its not that big deal

OK wow apps that delivery high quality location info need your location. Doesn't seem like a big deal. Its only lat long coordinates. It's not like it's accessing the camera on the phone and some creepy guy is looking at you and where you are ppl, so calm down. Plus at least Apple doesn't send the info anywhere, its just stored on your phone or where you sync'd the device but they are not collecting it.

T Bone

It is a big deal for at least 3 reasons:

1. Apple is recording location info without the user's knowledge and with no apparent way to opt out

2. There is no way to remove the data from the phone, a 'clear all location data' so to speak

3, It...
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consmonaut

You say that now, but the AI singularity is just around the bend.

I guess it won't be 'that big of a deal' until we all become robot sandwiches.

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Mark_S

For the big city drug dealer or the paranoid geek, take it easy and suck it up!!!
The FCC or FBI will not be knocking on your door to find out where you have been last night. 😲

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jacobd

Apr 22, 2011, 9:06 AM

Google asks for permission

Every android phone when you first set it up asks you for permission to share location data anonymously with Google. Every android user has the ability to opt-out of sharing their location data with Google when setting up their phone. Google hasn't been hiding anything, they have been upfront about it the whole time. Also if any user has Google latitude enabled, your location data is gathered to set up your location history.

MileHigh8710

I think your wrong a lil. I may be as well, but google is only asking for permission for the apps, but if you turn it off, then they still collect the info and sends it back to google and there is no way of turning that off because its in the T&C when...
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kvlt

You have the option to decline.

lollipop

Do you use google maps?

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jameskpolk

Apr 22, 2011, 1:08 PM

What a surprise

I think I'll have a heart attack.

AND DIE.

From that surprise.

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