Google is Collecting Location Data Even When Service is Disabled

Featured article by Cliff Gill, Independent Technology Author

The smartphones that are being developed today come with many amazing features. Gone are the days of cell phones simply being used for calls and text messages. Now, they are loaded with apps that can provide an amazing experience. Many devices are used for entertainment purposes, allowing users to engage in gaming, social media experiences and more. With the latest smartphones, users can also benefit from location services that allow them to use GPS maps and find local retailers and establishments in a matter of seconds.

While smartphones come with many benefits, there is a concern for a number of users. Phones that are running Android will collect data about the current location of the user and will then send that information to Google. What many users do not understand is that this data is being collected even when location services have been disabled. Google has a constant stream of information about user locations as well as their movements, which is a violation of privacy for many.

Data Collection and Security Concerns

This collection of data may have some users on edge, especially when they do not wish to be tracked by any location device. The information from a phone is tracked through a cell tower and while info from just one tower cannot offer a definite location of the device, when multiple towers are used, a location can be tracked to with ¼ of a mile. This is troubling information for many Android users, especially those that are working in law enforcement or individuals that are victims of domestic abuse. People think they can conceal their location when their location services are turned off, but Google is able to continue to collect that information. While it is encrypted, there is the potential the information can land in the hands of a third party through the use of spyware or hacking tools.

Based on the Privacy Policy for Google, it states that location information can be collected and used to offer services, but there is no mention of this happening even when location services are disabled. This is a great concern for personal safety and since tracking can always be performed, it leaves many Android users uneasy about using their devices and being located. Google has no plans to interrupt the location tracking services that are in use, despite the security and privacy concerns of thousands of Android users.

How Data Collection Impacts Different Industries

While personal location is a concern, many businesses and industries actually benefit from location services and data collection. When data is collected by Google, it provides companies with the ability to collect data in real-time and access it online. Many companies take advantage of this technology. Telecommunications companies greatly benefit from data collection and this allows them to monitor their equipment to make sure they are always in working order. This can apply to telephone poles and base stations.

Marketing companies also benefit from data collection and will ask users to take part in survey. Mobile data collection apps eliminate a lot of time that is used to take to complete surveys. Mobile data collection can also benefit the gas and oil industry, construction businesses, environmental services and so much more.

On the side of entertainment, mobile data can also be used to enhance an experience when using a mobile phone, This is often the case with online casinos and betting sites. These sites will collect mobile data to learn the preferences of player and the information can be used to present these visitors with exclusive offers and special bonuses. This can provide benefits to many players from all over the world, but mainly for Canadian gamblers who access online casinos through their smartphones or tablets on a regular basis. Since there are a number of licensed and regulated gambling sites in Canada, many individuals from North America will be accessing these sites and there is a large player database. With mobile data collection, the casino sites can track player log in, actions and can also help identify player routines and preferences.

Will Data Collection Change?

Data collection provides many benefits to companies and businesses throughout the world, and while location services and data collection do pose a potential privacy issue for individual users, the technology is one that has more benefits than it does disadvantages. IN the future, more companies will become reliant on the information collected from mobile devices. Since more consumers are using these devices on a daily basis, tons of essential information can be collected. This can assist retail businesses, local governments and even the entertainment industry. The collection of data can include usage, tracking to various websites, consumer preferences and more, all of which can help increase revenue when used in a marketing plan.

With the enhanced devices now being created and used around the world. It is faster and easier to collect this data and there are no longer lags in uploading and transfer times. Overall, data collection can improve user experiences and will also being about many positive effects for businesses around the world. Since web visitors create much data when they visit different sites, the future of marketing will change as this data is used to develop strategic marketing plans, to target audiences and to create a positive experience for any mobile user.