Connect with us

Technology

Google Maps is deleting location history soon, so act now to save your data

Published

on

Google Maps is deleting location history soon, so act now to save your data

Google is rolling out significant changes to its Maps Timeline feature, which tracks your location history. As part of this update, you will soon receive notifications that your Timeline data will be automatically deleted after a specific deadline unless you take action to back it up. This transition represents a shift towards enhanced privacy as Google plans to store Timeline data locally on your device instead of on its servers. While this change aims to protect your data from unauthorized access, it also means that any unbacked location history may be permanently lost.

GET SECURITY ALERTS, EXPERT TIPS, SIGN UP FOR KURT’S NEWSLETTER – THE CYBERGUY REPORT HERE

Google Maps (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What’s changing with Google Maps Timeline? 

Google Maps’ location-tracking feature, known as Timeline, is undergoing a major update. Previously, Google announced plans to shift this data to local storage. Now, the company is sending out emails alerting you to this upcoming change.

Google will start deleting the last three months of Timeline data unless you take action. While this shift to local storage offers more privacy for those concerned about sharing location data with Google, it also means that if you don’t act, your past location history may be permanently lost.

Advertisement

After receiving the notification, you will have about six months to save or transfer your Timeline data before it’s deleted. The email will be sent by “Google Location History,” with the subject line: “Keep your Timeline? Decide by [date].”

Keep in mind that not everyone has received these notifications yet, so there’s no immediate rush. But once you get the email, you’ll have a six-month window to decide.

A man using Google Maps on his phone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

HOW GOOGLE MAPS IS GIVING YOU MORE POWER OVER YOUR LOCATION DATA

Why save your Timeline data?

There are several compelling reasons why users may want to save their Google Maps Timeline data.

Advertisement

Personal memories: The Timeline feature allows you to revisit past trips and experiences, serving as a digital diary of places visited and routes taken. For many, these memories are valuable and worth preserving.

Travel planning: Accessing historical location data can aid in future travel planning. You can analyze previous trips to make informed decisions about destinations, accommodations and activities based on past experiences.

Safety and security: Keeping a record of locations visited can be beneficial for personal safety. In case of emergencies or disputes, having a detailed history of movements can provide crucial information.

Data ownership: With the shift to local storage, you have greater control over your data. Saving this information ensures that it remains accessible and private without relying on cloud services that may be vulnerable to breaches.

Avoiding loss: Google has indicated that any unbacked location history will be deleted after the transition. Those of you who wish to retain your data must act promptly to prevent permanent loss.

Advertisement

BRUSSELS SPROUTS CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTS UP SCIENCE

How to back up your location history 

If you’ve received the above email or simply want to make sure your Timeline data is preserved, here’s what you can do:

1) Google’s Timeline export tool:

  • Visit takeout.google.com
  • Deselect all options except for Location History (Timeline)
  • Click Next Step
  • Choose Create Export. You’ll receive a backup of your data and see this note at the bottom of the screen, “Google is creating a copy of data from Location History (Timeline).” This process can take a long time (possibly hours or days) to complete. You’ll receive an email when your export is done.

2) Google is rolling out a feature that allows you to export your Timeline data directly from your devices. To use it:

On your phone or tablet:

  • Open the Google Maps app
  • Tap your profile picture or initial in the top right corner.
  • Select Your Timeline
  • Tap the three dots in the top right corner.
  • Select Location & privacy setting
  • Scroll down and tap Export Timeline data
  • You will likely be presented with various options for exporting your data, such as sharing via email, messaging apps or saving to a cloud service. Select the method that suits your needs best. 1) If you choose to share via email, tap on the email option, and it will open your email app with the exported data attached. Enter the recipient’s email address and send it. 2) If you select a messaging app, follow the prompts to send the file through that app.

On your computer:

  • Go to Google Maps in your web browser
  • Click the three horizontal lines in the upper left corner of the screen
  • Select Saved
  • Click the Maps tab.
  • Scroll down and click Create a map
  • Tap Create 
  • In the new window, click Import to upload your exported data.

Keep in mind that this backup will be specific to that device, so you may need to repeat the process on other devices you use.

Note: Some users have reported their data being deleted even after they requested not to lose anything. To avoid this, we recommend regularly backing up your Timeline data.

Advertisement

Google reminder email (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

THIS GOOGLE MAPS TRICK CAN SUPERCHARGE YOUR ABILITY TO NAVIGATE DIRECTIONS

More ways to stay private

While this update may help you avoid sharing location data with Google, it’s important to remember that Google collects personal data in other ways as well. Here are some additional steps you can take to protect your privacy.

1) Turn off location data on Google: This prevents Google Photos from estimating where your photo was taken. Here’s how to do it.

On your phone or tablet:

Advertisement
  • Open your Google Photos app
  • Click your profile icon in the top right corner of the screen
  • Select Google Photos settings
  • Click Privacy 
  • Click Location options 
  • Toggle off next to where it says Estimate missing locations. This will prevent Google Photos from estimating where your photos were taken based on location history data.

2) Disable facial recognition: Sharing your facial data with Google puts you at risk of the company collecting information without your consent, potentially sharing it with third parties and using it in ways you may not be aware of. Here’s how to turn it off.

  • Open Google Photos on your phone
  • Tap your profile icon in the top right corner
  • Go to Google Photos settings and select
  • Click Privacy
  • Disable Face Grouping by toggling off next to where it says Face Groups 

3) Delete your YouTube history: Google tracks your YouTube viewing history and suggests videos based on your past activity. While this can be convenient for discovering similar content, it can also feel like an intrusion on your privacy. Here’s how to end it.

On desktop:

  • Go to YouTube.com
  • Sign in to your YouTube account
  • Click your Profile icon in the top right corner
  • Click Your Data in YouTube
  • Click Manage your YouTube Seach History
  • Click Delete, then click Delete all time
  • It will ask you to confirm your decision by clicking Delete
  • Then click Got it

On mobile:

  • Open the YouTube app on your phone
  • Tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner
  • Go to Settings in the upper right-hand corner of the screen and give it a tap
  • Select History & Privacy
  • Tap Clear Watch History
  • Confirm your decision by clicking Clear watch history
  • You get a pop-up notice that your watch history has been cleared

YouTube history example (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

4) Use a VPN: A virtual private network (VPN) can significantly enhance your privacy when using Google Maps and other online services. Here’s how it helps:

  • Masks your IP address: A VPN hides your real IP address, making it harder for Google to track your physical location.
  • Encrypts your data: VPNs encrypt your internet traffic, protecting your data from potential eavesdroppers.
  • Bypasses geo-restrictions: You can access Google Maps and other services as if you’re in a different location, potentially avoiding location-based tracking.

To use a VPN with Google Maps:

  • Choose a reputable VPN service provider
  • Install the VPN app on your device
  • Connect to a VPN server before opening Google Maps
  • Use Google Maps as usual, with added privacy protection

Important caveat: While using a VPN can enhance your privacy, it may interfere with Google Maps’ ability to provide accurate directions. This is because a VPN may route your connection through a server in a different location, causing the app to misidentify your current position. If you need precise navigation or directions from your current location, consider temporarily disabling the VPN while using Google Maps to ensure accurate results.

Pro tip: For maximum privacy, combine the use of a VPN with Google Maps’ incognito mode. This ensures that your searches and location data aren’t tied to your Google account, providing an added layer of anonymity.

Recommended VPN Services: To find the best VPNs that work across devices like Windows, Mac, Android and iOS, check out my expert reviews of top VPN software. These reviews highlight options that prioritize privacy, speed and reliability.

6 WAYS TO TAKE BACK YOUR PRIVACY ON GOOGLE

Advertisement

Kurt’s key takeaways

Google’s decision to delete location history after three months is a big move toward giving you more control over your data and offering improved privacy by storing information locally. As privacy concerns grow, it’s encouraging to see companies like Google take steps toward greater transparency and user choice.

What other Google privacy concerns do you have? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.

Follow Kurt on his social channels:

Advertisement

Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

New from Kurt:

Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Technology

OpenAI keeps shuffling its executives in bid to win AI agent battle

Published

on

OpenAI keeps shuffling its executives in bid to win AI agent battle

OpenAI announced yet another reorganization Friday, consolidating certain areas and making company president Greg Brockman the official lead of all things product.

In a memo viewed by The Verge, Brockman wrote that since OpenAI’s product strategy for this year is to go all-in on AI agents, the company is combining its products to “invest in a single agentic platform and to merge ChatGPT and Codex into one unified agentic experience for all.”

To do this, the company is making a suite of org chart changes, although it’s still operating under some of the same ones from last month. That’s when AGI boss Fidji Simo went on medical leave and OpenAI announced that Brockman would be in charge of product strategy and CSO Jason Kwon, CFO Sarah Friar, and CRO Denise Dresser would take control of business operations.

It’s all part of OpenAI’s recent strategic shift to focus on key revenue drivers like coding and enterprise and stop pouring resources into “side quests” ahead of its potential IPO later this year and amid investor pressure to turn a profit.

In Simo’s continued absence, Brockman’s role leading product strategy is now official, as well as the company’s “scaling” arm. Under Brockman will be four different pillars. The first is core product and platform, led by Thibault Sottiaux, who has been OpenAI’s engineering lead for Codex, and the second is critical enterprise industries, led by ChatGPT head Nick Turley. Third is the consumer pillar, such as health, commerce, and personal finance, which will be led by Ashley Alexander, who has been its healthcare products VP. The fourth pillar — core infrastructure, ads, data science, and growth — will be led by Vijaye Raji, who has been OpenAI’s CTO of applications.

Advertisement

Brockman wrote in the memo that OpenAI’s goal is now to “bring agents to ChatGPT scale, in order to give individuals and organizations significantly more value and utility from our products.”

Continue Reading

Technology

Is that traffic ticket text a scam or real?

Published

on

Is that traffic ticket text a scam or real?

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

You’re going about your day when your phone buzzes. A text hits your phone. It looks official. It sounds urgent. And suddenly, you are being told you owe money for a traffic violation. That is exactly what Todd from Texas experienced. He emailed us and said:

“I received this text message today. It was so baffling because I haven’t lived in California for nearly a decade. I didn’t click on anything or respond. How can I tell if this is for real or if this is a scam?”

If you’ve gotten a message like this, you are not alone. This type of scam is spreading fast, and it is designed to pressure you into acting before you think. Let’s break down what is really going on.

Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report

Advertisement
  • Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox.
  • For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily.
  • Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join.

FAKE AGENT PHONE SCAMS ARE SPREADING FAST ACROSS THE US

This message may look official, but several red flags show it is likely a scam designed to pressure you into paying quickly. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What the traffic ticket scam text looks like

At first, the message seems convincing. It claims to be a “final reminder” from the California DMV, and it warns of penalties like license suspension and added fees. It even includes a link that appears somewhat official. However, once you slow down and take a closer look, the red flags quickly start to pile up.

The biggest red flags in this message

Here are the key warning signs to watch for in messages like this.

9 WAYS SCAMMERS CAN USE YOUR PHONE NUMBER TO TRY TO TRICK YOU

1) The phone number makes no sense

The message comes from a number with a +63 country code. That is the Philippines, not California. Government agencies in the U.S. do not send official legal notices from international numbers. That alone is a major warning sign.

Advertisement

2) No name, just “Dear Driver”

Legitimate notices from a DMV or court almost always include your full name or at least some identifying information. “Dear Driver” is vague on purpose. It allows scammers to send the same message to thousands of people.

3) The link isn’t a real DMV website

The message includes this link:

ca.mnvtl.life/dmv

That isn’t a government domain. Official DMV websites in California use “.ca.gov” or similar trusted domains. Scammers often create lookalike links to trick you into clicking.

4) Urgency and threats

The message pushes you to act quickly with a deadline. It lists consequences like license suspension and extra charges. Scammers rely on fear. When you feel rushed, you are more likely to click without thinking.

Advertisement

FBI WARNS OF DANGEROUS NEW ‘SMISHING’ SCAM TARGETING YOUR PHONE

5) Asking you to reply to proceed

The text says to reply with “Y” to get instructions. That is another trap. Responding confirms your number is active, which can lead to more scam messages.

6) Generic language and odd phrasing

Parts of the message feel slightly off. The tone is formal but not quite right. That subtle awkwardness is common in scam messages sent to large groups of people.

7) Overloaded threats designed to scare you

The message piles on consequences like license suspension, added fees, court action and even credit damage. In this case, it even mentions a license suspension and a $160 late payment charge. That combination is meant to overwhelm you and push you to act fast. Real agencies usually provide clear, specific notices, not a long list of escalating threats in a single text.

INSIDE A SCAMMER’S DAY AND HOW THEY TARGET YOU

Advertisement

Scam texts like this often arrive out of nowhere and try to create urgency before you have time to question them. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What this means for you

Even if you have never driven in California, you could still receive this message. Scammers cast a wide net and hope someone takes the bait. If you click the link, you could be taken to a fake payment page. That page may ask for your credit card details, personal information or login credentials. In some cases, it can also install malware on your device or redirect you to credential-stealing pages. This isn’t about a ticket. It is about getting your data.  State DMVs typically do not send final legal notices or payment demands by text message.

Why these scams keep working

These messages work because they tap into something most people fear. Legal trouble, fines and losing driving privileges. They also look just real enough to pass a quick glance. That is all scammers need. As more services move online, these scams will continue to evolve.

Unlike typical DMV scams, this message impersonates a court and escalates the threats to make the situation feel more serious (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Ways to stay safe from traffic ticket text scams

Start with a simple rule. Never trust a payment request that shows up out of nowhere. Here are practical steps you can take:

Advertisement

1) Do not click the link

If you are unsure, do not tap anything in the message. That includes links and reply options.

2) Use strong antivirus software

If you accidentally click a link, strong antivirus software can help detect malware and protect your data. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com

3) Verify directly with the DMV

Go to your state’s official DMV website by typing it yourself into your browser. Do not use the link in the text.

4) Check the sender carefully

Look at the phone number. International numbers or random strings are a clear warning sign.

5) Ignore generic greetings

Real notices will usually include your name or case details. Vague language is a red flag.

Advertisement

6) Consider a data removal service

Scammers often get your number from data broker sites. Removing your personal info from those databases with a data removal service can reduce these messages. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com

7) Block and report the number

On your phone, block the sender and report it as spam. This helps reduce future attempts.

8) Turn on spam filtering

Enable spam filtering on your phone or through your carrier to catch more of these messages before they reach you.

Kurt’s key takeaways

Todd did the right thing. He paused, questioned the message and did not click. That one decision likely saved him from handing over personal information. When it comes to messages like this, skepticism is your best defense. If something feels off, trust that instinct.

Should phone carriers and tech companies be doing more to block scams like this before you ever see them? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

Advertisement

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report

  • Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox.
  • For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily.
  • Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join. 

Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Technology

Honda’s hybrid future starts with new Accord and RDX prototypes

Published

on

Honda’s hybrid future starts with new Accord and RDX prototypes

Honda revealed prototypes of two new hybrid models, an Accord sedan and the Acura RDX SUV, during its annual business briefing this week, built on a platform that it says will begin launching next year. The RDX was announced earlier this year as Honda’s first SUV to feature the next-gen version of its two-motor hybrid system.

In March, Honda announced it would take a writedown of up to 2.5 trillion yen ($15.7 billion) on its EV investments. Now Honda says its EV-related losses will be “resolved” by 2029, and that it will reevaluate its EV plans in 2030.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending