Google Maps is introducing an additional function to safeguard users' privacy. Recent reports state that Google is altering how it manages users' location data. The location history was previously recorded by the program on Google servers; however, with this modification, all location history will now be saved on users' devices. Timeline is the new name for the location history feature on Google Maps.

It seems that certain people are receiving this functionality gradually from Google. On the other hand, December 1, 2024, is the deadline.

Timeline data from Google Maps

The purpose of the function is to safeguard user data. It guarantees that the users will continue to have control over their journey history's location. Users won't be dependent on cloud servers going forward.

All of your Android or iOS device's location history, including the restaurants you've visited, will be locally saved by Google.

Google provides end-to-end encrypted cloud backups for the Timeline in Maps in order to further safeguard the information. This provides an additional degree of protection by guaranteeing that only the user may access this backup.

Only app users are able to utilize this function at this time. There won't be a web version of the Timeline accessible online.Users will no longer be able to see their location history on desktop versions of Maps; instead, they will only be able to access it through the online interface. On the iOS and Android versions of Google Maps, the functionality will still function. As a result, device-to-device location syncing will no longer be possible.