This might be another situation where GDPR saves the day; Google will need to push updates out to limit their data collection, as well as reveal the full scope of their data collection activities with Android.
Except that Timeline in Google maps has been GDPR compliant for a long long time.
1. You can opt out
2. You can see all your data
3. You can export all your data
4. You can delete all your data
Also, they have very little evidence for their claims that it's actually using that much data. From my experience, Google only syncs on wifi and rarely wastes your mobile data.
It isn't Google Maps that is collecting this data, it's Google Play Services, which is a service layer at the bottom that underlies all location information on the device.
This particular story/investigation appears to be in Australia. Google's only required to limit their tendency to stalk your every waking moment in the EU. While some of the improvements made will probably end up being available globally just because, for instance, improvements to Google Takeout-like work, I doubt Google's going to stop tracking you where it's still legally permissible.
They may though because of the difficulty of deciding if you are subject to GDPR. ie what if an Aussie moves to the EEU and becomes a resident, bringing an Australian-purchased phone? How long can someone visit the EEU before becoming a resident (I have no idea and suspect the rules may not be crystal clear.)
If the origin of the traffic is within the EEU, GDPR applies.
So the moment you visit the EEU, GDPR applies; irrespective of residency status. The moment you leave the EEU, GDPR no longer applies, even if you are an EU resident.
> It applies to all companies processing and holding the personal data of data subjects residing in the European Union, regardless of the company’s location.
its amazing how much misinformation is floating around... i recently read on HN that it also applies to eu citizens living abroad, but thats wrong.
Furthermore my VPN provider notified me that the plan i have will be for non EU provies andnstarting from June they will have premium membership for those who want to use European gateways. i guess all of sudden everyone want to look like they are from EU ;)
