🚨 Google Maps Can Now Scan Your iPhone Screenshots for Locations-But Privacy Concerns Loom
Google Maps just rolled out a new feature for iOS that uses AI to scan your screenshots for place names and automatically saves those locations to a private list in the app. While this could be a handy tool for travelers and foodies who often screenshot addresses or recommendations, it’s also raising serious privacy concerns.
How the Feature Works
🔹 AI-Powered Scanning:
Google Maps uses its Gemini AI to scan your iPhone screenshots for any text that looks like a place name or address.
🔹 Automatic List Creation:
Any detected locations are added to a private “Screenshots” list in the Google Maps app, found under the “You” tab.
🔹 Review & Save:
You can review each detected location. If it’s correct, tap “Save” to add it to your map; if not, tap “Don’t Save.”
🔹 Auto-Scan or Manual Add:
If you grant permission, Google Maps can automatically scan all your screenshots for locations. Alternatively, you can choose to add images manually.
Why People Are Concerned
🔹 Privacy Risks:
Granting Google access to your entire screenshot library means the company could potentially see sensitive or personal information-not just location data.
🔹 Data Sent to Google Servers:
There’s a strong chance that the scanned data is sent to Google’s servers, where it could be processed, profiled, or even sold to advertisers-aligning with Google’s core business model.
🔹 Google’s Privacy Track Record:
Given Google’s history of privacy controversies, some users feel uneasy about giving the company even more access to their personal data.
🔹 Is It Really Needed?
iOS already lets you tap and hold on addresses in screenshots to look them up, so some users question whether this feature is truly necessary.
How to Use (or Avoid) the Feature
🔹 Update Google Maps:
Make sure you have the latest version of Google Maps on your iPhone.
🔹 Permission Required:
The feature only works if you grant Google Maps access to your photos/screenshots.
🔹 Control Your Data:
You can opt out by not giving permission, or only add screenshots manually if you want more control.
Google Maps’ new screenshot-scanning feature could be a time-saver for some, but it comes with real privacy trade-offs. If you value convenience, you might find it useful. If you’re privacy-conscious, think carefully before granting Google access to your photo library.
https://www.techradar.com/phones/google-maps-can-now-scan-your-iphone-screenshots-to-save-forgotten-places-but-that-gives-me-privacy-chills