Why this matters: This is yet another example of what Google can do with your data resulting from the company’s privacy policy changes in 2012. It’s commendable that it is making the data it collects about you readily available to you. And for those who love the idea of maintaining fine-grain journals of their day. This feature will be a perfect fit for taking trips down memory lane. Not everyone will be pleased with Your Timeline. However, Google is taking pains to claim that you control your data.
Your data, Your Way?
Hoping to fend off any privacy concerns, Google says Your Timeline is private and visible only to you. When you’re signed in to your account. You will only see Your Timeline if you enable location history storing with Android. Any Now user on mobile devices has this feature enabled unless they’ve manually disabled it. For more control, the company says you can delete a specific day, location. Or even your entire history whenever you want. Locations you frequent are named on the map. Such as a relative’s house or your favorite coffee hangout. While all these features sound nice and privacy-protecting. Remember that any of your location data stored on Google’s servers is also available to law enforcement. Or other interested government parties that file the proper paperwork. That said, there’s no denying that Now is a beneficial service. Your Timeline may also be handier than you realized. If only to retrace your steps the day you lost your backpack. Google should have mentioned in its post whether the feature will come with sharing or embed options. While the more privacy-minded may not like that. Others may appreciate the ability to share a specific day or trip on their blog or website.
