Vent: My phone's location tracking spoiled a surprise visit

Last month, I was driving to see my sister for her birthday, planning it as a surprise. I had my map app on to guide me through an unfamiliar city. After I arrived, she mentioned getting a notification that I was nearby, from some social media app linked to my phone. I never posted anything or told the app my plans. It hit me that just by having location services on, my privacy was being shared without my clear say-so. Now, I think twice before letting apps track me, especially when traveling. The convenience of easy directions is nice, but not at the cost of giving away my moves. Has anyone else had a similar wake-up call while on the road?

3 comments

3 Comments

ray8162mo ago

Ever since, do you keep location off?

seankelly2mo ago

Why would I ever turn it back on? Flipped it off after a trip last year and just never saw a reason... most apps work fine without it. It stops a lot of that creepy tracking from the big companies and honestly, my phone battery seems to last longer too.

lee6271mo ago

Oh man, my friend did that and got totally lost trying to find a new cafe in the city. He had to stop and ask three people for directions, which was a pain. Sometimes that little bit of tracking is worth not walking in circles.