Frequently Collect Android User Location Data, Google Blocks SafeGraph

ILLUSTRATION/Brett Jordan/Unsplash

JAKARTA - SafeGraph is claimed to be one of a number of companies that collect user geolocation records through other Android application plug-ins. Seeing this, Google immediately blocked access to SafeGraph from its service.

Not only that, Google also blocked similar companies selling location data of Android users for COVID-19 mapping and other purposes. SafeGraph aggregates data for organizations including The New York Times and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

According to a report by Motherboard, quoted by The Verge, Friday, August 12, Google told developers in June that they had to remove the SafeGraph software development tool within seven days.

However, it is still unknown whether SafeGraph still collects data from Android apps. SafeGraph blocking was done after getting a strong warning on the location aggregator application.

In December 2020, Google and Apple banned a similar service dubbed X-Mode Social, which is alleged to have collaborated with US military agencies. Unfortunately, Apple does not respond to its policies regarding SafeGraph.

Meanwhile, a US senator Ron Wyden praised and criticized the move to block this location data collection application.

"This is the right move by Google, but they and Apple need to do more than just play around with apps that sell American location information. These companies need concrete plans to protect the privacy and security of their users," Wyden said.

SafeGraph data is supposed to be anonymous, but location datasets often reveal detailed information about users even though they are protected by security systems. While users must give permission to collect location data by each individual, not many users are aware of how their information is used by app developers.