Google Maps has announced several updates aimed at providing users with greater control over their personal information. The navigation app will soon allow users to delete activity related to specific places, enabling the removal of searches, directions, visits, and shares associated with a particular location. This feature is designed to offer users more control over their location history.

Additionally, Google Maps is enhancing the accessibility of location controls by allowing users to access them directly from the blue dot that indicates their location on the map. By clicking on the blue dot, users can check whether Location History or Timeline settings are enabled and view the app’s access to the device’s location.

The ability to delete place-related activity and the new location control features will be rolled out on both Android and iOS platforms in the coming weeks. Google emphasizes the importance of user control, allowing individuals to manage their location data and delete information as needed.

In another update, Google Maps mentions that if users have opted to enable Location History, their Timeline will soon be saved directly on their device. This change provides an additional layer of control and access to the user’s location history.

Furthermore, Google is adjusting the default setting for auto-delete control when users first activate Location History. The default setting will now be three months, compared to the previous default of 18 months. Users can still choose to delete their information manually or disable the setting entirely.

Google reassures users about the security of their backed-up data, stating that it will be automatically encrypted to ensure privacy. These updates will be gradually rolled out over the next year on both Android and iOS platforms, with users receiving notifications when the changes become applicable to their accounts.