Android Users Need To Delete Google Maps and Google Play For Location Privacy

[DamianTV]

Android Users Need To Delete Google Maps and Google Play If They Don't Want Their Locations Tracked
https://tech.slashdot.org/story/16/0...acked?sbsrc=md

Google, it seems, is very, very interested in knowing where you are at all times. Users have reported battery life issues with the latest Android build, with many pointing the finger at Google Play -- Google's app store -- and its persistent, almost obsessive need to check where you are. Amid complaints that Google Play is always switching on GPS, it appears Google has made it impossible to prevent the app store from tracking your whereabouts unless you completely kill off location tracking for all applications. You can try to deny Google Play access to your handheld's location by opening the Settings app and digging through Apps -> Google Play Store -> Permissions, and flipping the switch for "location." But you'll be told you can't just shut out Google Play services: you have to switch off location services for all apps if you want to block the store from knowing your whereabouts. It's all or nothing, which isn't particularly nice. This is because Google Play services pass on your location to installed apps via an API. The store also sends your whereabouts to Google to process. Google doesn't want you to turn this off.

[Brian4Liberty]

Does anyone pay attention to the privileges required by most apps these days? It's crazy. Every app is a full tracking and spying platform.

[angelatc]

Yeah I am a cell phone phobe. I got a smart phone only because my store needs one to take credit cards. I cannot switch location services for all apps because Square uses it.

I tried to take all the google stuff off, but they will not allow it.