Google Maps is testing a new ad format that gives users the option to add a stop for a sponsored location during navigation.
  • soratoyuki@lemmy.worldEnglish
    91·
    5 months ago

    I’ve been getting a lot of ‘suggested’ locations and sponsored pop ups in Google Maps the few weeks. I get that it’s a ‘free’ product, but ugh. My GPS while I’m driving down the highway is one of those things that really, really needs to be clutter-free.

    • The Quuuuuill@slrpnk.netEnglish
      65·
      5 months ago

      Google doesn’t give a shit if you live or die, so long as their corporate partners at Shell Oil and Sheets checks clear

    • unexposedhazard@discuss.tchncs.deEnglish
      382·
      5 months ago

      It is by no means free tho. They are making lots of money from selling your location data and furthering their market dominance by forcing it on everyone by default

      • Jako301@feddit.deEnglish
        151·
        5 months ago

        They get that same location data with or without maps. As long as you are using stock android, Google knows exactly where you’ve been even if you enable airplane mode. They get your position with WiFi networks and other phones around you and store that data with timestamps. Maps doesn’t give them any extra data, it simply binds you into their ecosystem.

      • soratoyuki@lemmy.worldEnglish
        14·
        5 months ago

        I know. I’d assume everyone on Lemmy knows. That’s why I said ‘free’ in scare quotes and not free.

        • ipkpjersi@lemmy.mlEnglish
          5·
          5 months ago

          Oh I didn’t notice the quotes lol that’s what I get for being tired on a Monday ☠️