The big
Apple and
Google are currently in trouble for
GPS tracking users locations. If you own an Android phone, you have the option to opt out
the tracking by following a few steps, for this reason Google is arguing that tracking among Android phone users is strictly by choice. Don't be among the ignorant few that don/t know how to disable the
GPS tracking.
Turn off location services
Open your phone’s Settings (either from home screen or the applications list);
Open Location & security settings;
Uncheck “Use wireless networks”;
Uncheck “Use GPS satellites.”
You can also turn off location-based preferences in Google services by going to Settings — Privacy Settings and unchecking the “use my location” box.
Do a factory reset
Disabling location services will disable tracking from this point on. But if you’ve had GPS and network-based tracking on for some time, then your smartphone will have a record of the last 50 cellsites and 200 Wi-Fi hotspots used. You will need do something more drastic if you’re that paranoid.
Android actually assigns a unique identifier to your phone when you first start it up. This means that the location data gathered from cellsites, Wi-Fi networks and GPS can be attributed to your specific handset (possibly including other information). The only way to change this unique ID is to do a factory reset.
Open your phone’s Settings;
Open Privacy settings;
Tap “Factory Data reset”
Confirm by pressing the “Reset phone” button.
Of course, doing a factory reset is a drastic option, and should only be done if you’re really that concerned about your privacy. You might want to backup your data and application first using your computer or using Titanium Backup for Android.
