Google to Delete Sensitive Data on Users’ Location History after Roe Revocation

Google plans to delete location history data for users who visit an abortion clinic

Google plans to automatically delete location history data for users who visit an abortion clinic, responding to growing concerns and other particularly personal locations after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Another change to be implemented soon concerning reproductive health is an update to Google Fit and Fitbit, which will soon allow users to delete multiple menstruation logs all at once, as opposed to individual ones. Location History is a Google account setting that is off by default, and for those that turn it on, we provide simple controls like auto-delete so users can easily delete parts, or all, of their data at any time.

Google plans to delete user location history at abortion clinics:

Google will roll out updates that enable users of its Fitbit wearable devices who track users' periods in the app to delete multiple logs at once. People visits include medical facilities like counseling centers, domestic violence shelters, abortion clinics, fertility centers, addiction treatment facilities, weight loss clinics, cosmetic surgery clinics, etc.

The Location History feature on Google services is turned off by default, but even if active, the company's policy starting in the coming weeks will be to rapidly delete records of visits to places that many people would prefer to keep private. Google has a long track record of pushing back on overly broad demands from law enforcement, including objecting to some demands entirely.

Google, among other data-driven conglomerates, has been under fire for collecting user data and digital surveilling. Google delivers robust privacy protections for people who use our products, and we will continue to look for new ways to strengthen and improve these protections. Google protects its users against improper government demands for data, and Google will continue to oppose demands that are overly broad or otherwise legally objectionable.

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