So here is the long and short of it:

Google used (uses) geofencing data, location data that undeniably shows where you and your phone have been.

Google sells this data to data brokers and advertisers, whether you like it or not. And yeah, it wouldn’t surprise me if Apple also did/does this, but if they do, Tim Cook has done a yeoman’s job of keeping it secret.

Google also hands out your location data to police departments (and governmental agencies led by conservative, anti-abortion Republicans, but I’m sure that’s unimportant, right?).

Now—and here’s the crux of the matter—just as the government was using Google’s location data to prosecute January 6th rioters, Google has had a sudden change of heart and will effectively limit their ability to remotely store your GPS information on their servers (which means it will mostly only be available locally on your Android phone’s hard drive, thus making it significantly harder - not completely impossible - for Google to give the police access to bulk location data, even if presented with a search warrant).

The bottom line is, it was always wrong for Google to collect and then sell their “reverse location search data” to advertisers, data miners, the police and the government. The germane question is, why now? Why has Google suddenly found Jesus, so to speak, and decided that customers privacy rights are sacrosanct, just as the U.S. government is using that data to prosecute Trump sycophants who wanted to overthrow the election?

SN: I think the whole green bubble vs. blue bubble argument is a stupid made up problem by whiny people who don’t have enough real problems in life (if you disagree then please go make your own post), and Idgaf if you’re an Android or an iPhone user. If you’re happy with your phone, that’s all that matters — but our privacy rights constantly being violated isn’t trivial, that’s actually very important. And Google suddenly deciding that now is the best time for them to end their practice of ratting people out seems highly sus.

👉🏿 https://www.emptywheel.net/2023/11/25/the-maga-tourist-geofence-and-the-violent-confederate-flag-toting-geofence/

Law enforcement’s ability to track and profile political protestors has become increasingly multifaceted and technology driven.

A lot of people kinda lump geofencing alerts and GPS dog fences together like they’re the same thing, but they’re really not. 

Entertainment venues are always hunting for fresh ways to boost guest engagement and keep things running smoothly. One tech that's quietly making waves is geofencing.

Geofencing uses location-based tools to set up virtual boundaries inside a venue. When visitors step into or out of certain zones, automated actions can kick in through mobile apps, alerts, or management systems. It can be pretty seamless.

Take this scenario: a guest gets ride recommendations as they near a coaster, a discount pops up when they wander into a shopping area, or they receive timely updates about events happening nearby. Operators get a lot out of it too. They can track how people move around and use that data to ease crowding.