Google Chrome for Android: Share approximate location instead of precise data

In the Chrome browser for Android, users will soon be able to choose whether to share their approximate location with websites instead of revealing their precise location. This option is also planned for the desktop version in the coming months.

Sharing location-based data is useful, for example, when checking the weather, calling a ride service, or ordering food. However, not every service and every website requires precise location data. If you want to get information about the local weather forecast or news from the region, an approximate location is perfectly sufficient.

Previously, Chrome on Android only allowed users to share their precise location via a pop-up window. As Google announced in a blog post, the company wants to give users control over their location data. In addition to the new approximate location option, users can continue to share their exact location as needed.

New interfaces for developers

Google is also planning to release new interfaces (APIs) for web developers that will allow them to query approximate locations or indicate whether they require precise locations. “We recommend that developers review their location requirements and only request precise location when it is necessary for the functionality of the website,” Google explains.

Users can also set location sharing in the app settings (“App Info”) since Android 12. Here, it is possible to deny location access completely, share the precise location, or only reveal the approximate location. Additionally, it can be set that apps only receive location information when actively being used.

More with Android 17

The essentially overdue innovation in the Chrome browser follows previous announcements regarding data protection in Android 17: The upcoming major Android update includes a series of improvements to protect location data. Among other things, apps will receive a new “Location button” that allows users to grant applications access to their precise location. When a user taps the new button, the app only gets access to the precise location for the current session.

(afl)