Technology

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

Published

1 year ago

December 25, 2024

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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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.

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:

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

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.

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Technology

Judge sides with Anthropic to temporarily block the Pentagon’s ban

Published

8 hours ago

March 27, 2026

Press Room

Judge sides with Anthropic to temporarily block the Pentagon’s ban

After Anthropic’s weeks-long standoff with the Pentagon, the company won one milestone: A judge granted Anthropic a preliminary injunction in its lawsuit, which sought to reverse its government blacklisting while the judicial process plays out.

“The Department of War’s records show that it designated Anthropic as a supply chain risk because of its ‘hostile manner through the press,’” Judge Rita F. Lin, a district judge in the northern district of California, wrote in the order, which will go into effect in seven days. “Punishing Anthropic for bringing public scrutiny to the government’s contracting position is classic illegal First Amendment retaliation.”

A final verdict could be weeks or months out.

Anthropic spokesperson Danielle Cohen said in a Thursday statement, “We’re grateful to the court for moving swiftly, and pleased they agree Anthropic is likely to succeed on the merits. While this case was necessary to protect Anthropic, our customers, and our partners, our focus remains on working productively with the government to ensure all Americans benefit from safe, reliable AI.”

“I do think this case touches on an important debate,” Judge Lin said during the Tuesday hearing. “On the one hand, Anthropic is saying that its AI product, Claude, is not safe to use for autonomous lethal weapons and domestic mass surveillance. Anthropic’s position is that if the government wants to use its technology, the government has to agree not to use it for those purposes. On the other hand the Department of War is saying that military commanders have to decide what is safe for its AI to do.”

On Tuesday, Judge Lin went on to say, “It’s not my role to decide who’s right in that debate… The Department of War decides what AI product it wants to use and buy. And everyone, including Anthropic, agrees that the Department of War is free to stop using Claude and look for a more permissive AI vendor.” She added, “I see the question in this case as being … whether the government violated the law when it went beyond that.”

It all started with a memo sent by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Jan. 9, calling for “any lawful use” language to be written into any AI services procurement contract within 180 days, which would include existing contracts with companies like Anthropic, OpenAI, xAI, and Google. Anthropic’s negotiations with the Pentagon stretched on for weeks, hinging on two “red lines” that the company did not want the military to use its AI for: domestic mass surveillance and lethal autonomous weapons (or AI systems with the power to kill targets with no human involvement in the decision-making process). The rollercoaster series of events that followed has included a barrage of social media insults, a formal “supply chain risk” designation with the potential to significantly handicap Anthropic’s business, competing AI companies swooping in to make deals, and an ensuing lawsuit.

With its lawsuit, Anthropic argues that it was punished for speech protected under the First Amendment, and it’s seeking to reverse the supply chain risk designation.

It’s rare, and potentially even unheard of until now, for a US company to be named a supply chain risk, a designation typically reserved for non-US companies potentially linked to foreign adversaries. Anthropic’s designation as such raised eyebrows nationwide and caused bipartisan controversy due to concerns that disagreeing with a presidential administration could potentially lead to outsized retribution for a business in any sector.

Anthropic’s own business has been significantly affected by the designation, according to its court filings, which say that it has “received outreach from numerous outside partners … expressing confusion about what was required of them and concern about their ability to continue to work with Anthropic” and that “dozens of companies have contacted Anthropic” for guidance or information about their rights to terminate usage. Depending on the level to which the government prohibits its contractors’ work with Anthropic, the company alleged that revenue adding up to between hundreds of millions and multiple billions could be at risk.

During Tuesday’s hearing, both companies had a chance to respond to Judge Lin’s questions, which were released in a document the day prior and hinged on matters like whether Hegseth lacked authority to issue certain directives and why Anthropic was named a supply chain risk. The judge also asked, in her pre-released questions, about the circumstances under which a government contractor could face termination for using Anthropic’s technology in their work — for instance, “if a contractor for the Department uses Claude Code as a tool to write software for the Department’s national security systems, would that contractor face termination as a result?”

On Tuesday, the judge also seemed to admonish the Department of War for Hegseth’s X post that caused a lot of widespread confusion per Anthropic’s earlier court filings, stating that “effective immediately, no contractor, supplier, or partner that does business with the United States military may conduct any commercial activity with Anthropic.”

“You’re standing here saying, ‘We said it but we didn’t really mean it,’” Judge Lin said during the hearing, later pressing on the question of why Hegseth wrote the above barring contractors from working with Anthropic instead of just simply designating Anthropic as a supply chain risk.

In a series of questions on Tuesday, Judge Lin asked whether the Department of War plans to terminate contractors on the basis of their work with Anthropic if it’s separate from their work with the department, and a representative for the Department of War responded, “That is my understanding.”

Judge Lin asked, “Let’s say I’m a military contractor. I don’t provide IT to the military. I provide toilet paper to the military. I’m not going to be terminated for using Anthropic — is that accurate?” The representative for the Department of War responded, “For non-DoW work, that is my understanding.” But when the judge asked whether a military contractor providing IT services to the Department of War, but not for national security systems, could be terminated for using Anthropic, the representative for the Department of War did not give a concrete answer.

During the hearing, Judge Lin cited one of the amicus briefs, which she said used the term “attempted corporate murder.” She said, “I don’t know if it’s ‘murder,’ but it looks like an attempt to cripple Anthropic.”

“We are continuing to be irreparably injured by this directive,” a lawyer for Anthropic said during the hearing, citing Hegseth’s nine-paragraph X post.

In a recent court filing, the Department of Defense alleged that Anthropic could ostensibly “attempt to disable its technology or preemptively alter the behavior of its model either before or during ongoing warfighting operations” in the event it felt the military was crossing its red lines — a theoretical situation that the Pentagon said it deemed an “unacceptable risk to national security.” The judge’s pre-released questions seem to challenge that statement, or at least request more information on it, stating, “What evidence in the record shows that Anthropic had ongoing access to or control over Claude after delivering it to the government, such that Anthropic could engage in such acts of sabotage or subversion?”

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Hayden Field

Technology

Drone food delivery launches in New Jersey

Published

9 hours ago

March 27, 2026

Press Room

Drone food delivery launches in New Jersey

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

You place a food order, check your phone, and instead of a driver pulling up, a drone lowers your meal to your front yard. That scenario is already playing out in the Garden State. But before you get too excited, this is still a limited test.

Grubhub just launched New Jersey’s first drone-powered food delivery pilot, and it is getting plenty of attention. The three-month program kicked off on March 18 in Green Brook, just a few miles from Middlesex. If you live within about 2.5 miles of the location, you may be able to try it yourself.

Even better, you will not pay anything extra to choose the drone option.

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YOUR DOORDASH ORDER MIGHT ARRIVE FROM THE SKY AS DRONE DELIVERIES TAKE OFF

Grubhub launches a three-month drone delivery test in New Jersey, offering faster drop-offs with no added cost. (Grubhub)

How the drone delivery program works

The program is based out of Wonder’s Green Brook location, which operates a multi-restaurant kitchen. That means your order can come from one of 15 different food concepts, all prepared in the same place.

Here is how it works step by step:

You order through the Grubhub app
You select drone delivery if you are eligible
Your food is prepared and secured by trained staff
A drone flies it along a pre-approved route
The order is lowered safely to the ground using a tether

You can track everything in real time, just like a regular delivery. It feels familiar, but the final step looks very different.

Why this could be faster than your usual delivery

Timing matters when you are hungry. That is where drones may have a real advantage. Unlike drivers, drones do not deal with traffic, stoplights or parking. They fly directly to your location using optimized flight paths.

Grubhub says deliveries should arrive faster than traditional methods. While that will vary based on conditions, the goal is simple. Less waiting, more eating. This test will help the company see if that promise holds up in real neighborhoods.

AIR TAXIS IN THE US COULD LAUNCH THIS SUMMER

New Jersey residents within range can order food by drone, with real-time tracking and tethered drop-offs. (Grubhub)

The tech behind the delivery drones

The program uses the DE-2020 drone from Dexa, a company that specializes in autonomous delivery systems.

This is not a hobby drone. It is a fully automated aircraft built for commercial use.

Key features include:

FAA-certified operations for safety and compliance
Secure communication systems during flight
Controlled drop-off using a tether system
Pre-planned routes to reduce noise and disruption

Before each flight, crews check that food is packaged and secured properly. That step helps prevent spills or issues mid-air. In short, there is a lot more going on behind the scenes than a simple takeoff and landing.

We reached out to Grubhub, and a spokesperson shared the following statement:

“Our partnership with Dexa represents a major step forward in Grubhub’s commitment to delivery innovation,” said Abhishek “PJ” Poykayil, SVP of customer delivery operations at Wonder and Grubhub. “By connecting Grubhub’s marketplace expertise, Wonder’s innovative mealtime platform, and Dexa’s expansive drone technology, we’re proud to introduce a faster and more efficient way for New Jersey diners to experience food delivery without compromising safety or reliability.”

We also reached out to Dexa for more insight into the technology behind the program. CEO and founder Beth Flippo shared the following with CyberGuy:

“At Dexa, we’re proud to be powering the underlying autonomous technology that enables this new generation of on-demand delivery. Our partnership with Grubhub brings together their industry-leading logistics network with our advanced autonomy platform, which is designed to safely navigate complex environments, optimize real-time routing, and operate reliably without the need for continuous human intervention. This is a meaningful step toward a future where autonomous systems are woven seamlessly into everyday life, from delivering food and goods to supporting transportation, infrastructure and critical services. As consumers continue to expect faster, more efficient and more sustainable options, autonomy will play a central role in meeting those expectations at scale.”

FORGET DRONES, THIS STREET-SMART ROBOT COULD BE FUTURE OF LOCAL DELIVERIES

Autonomous drones designed by Dexa deliver meals from a central kitchen, bypassing traffic in a new suburban pilot program. (Grubhub)

Why companies are pushing drone delivery now

This move is not random. It is part of a bigger shift in how companies think about delivery. You and I want speed, convenience and reliability. At the same time, businesses want to reduce costs and scale faster. Drone delivery sits right in the middle of that.

It removes many of the delays tied to traditional delivery. It also opens the door to new models, especially in suburban areas where distances are manageable.

We are already seeing this play out in other parts of the country. Companies like Wing, backed by Google’s parent company Alphabet, have been testing and expanding drone deliveries for food, retail and small packages in select U.S. markets.

This New Jersey test is another step in that direction, and it shows how quickly the space is evolving.

What this means to you

Even if you are not in Green Brook, New Jersey, this still matters. Here is why:

You may get faster deliveries

If this works, shorter delivery times could become the new normal.

You could see more delivery options

Apps may soon offer choices like driver, robot or drone depending on your location.

It could change delivery costs

Right now, there is no added fee. In the future, pricing models may shift based on speed and demand.

Your neighborhood may see more drones

That raises questions about noise, safety and privacy that communities will need to address.

This is not only about food. The same technology could expand to groceries, retail and even medical supplies.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

It is easy to see drone delivery as some sort of cool experiment. But something bigger is starting to take shape right above us. For the first time, the sky is becoming part of everyday delivery. Today it is takeout. Tomorrow it could be groceries, last-minute essentials or even urgent supplies. If this technology proves reliable, and we get comfortable with it, the way you get what you need could change faster than you expect. So the next time you hear a faint buzz overhead, you may want to look up. It might not be a plane. It could be your dinner on the way. The real question is not if drones will become part of daily life. It is how soon you will be tracking one to your doorstep.

Would you trust a drone to deliver your next meal? Why or why not? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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Technology

Netflix is raising prices again

Published

20 hours ago

March 26, 2026

Press Room

Netflix’s prices just went up, with its cheapest, ad-supported tier now reaching $8.99 / month (up from $7.99 / month), according to an updated support page spotted earlier by Android Authority. The standard and premium plans are also getting a hike, going from $17.99 to $19.99 / month and $24.99 to $26.99 / month, respectively.

Netflix didn’t share its reasoning for the price hike this time around, as it last cited delivering “more value for our customers.” It’s also unclear when the price hike will go into effect for existing subscribers. The Verge reached out to Netflix with a request for comment but didn’t immediately hear back.