How Google can trick users into sharing geo-location information

Update: Google canceled this behavior on Android OS 5.0

When you open the Geolocation service on your Android phone, a "agree to share Location" window will pop up like this:

GPS is a passive system. A GPS receiver will look for a signal from at least 3 GPS satellites in the sky, and your geo-location information will be calculated by the GPS receiver. Technology like Assited GPS also uses cellular networks to speed up positioning and improve positioning accuracy. In addition to returning coordinates on the map (such as a detailed address), your phone also needs to download the map information from your Web side. With the "Agree" button, you'll be authorizing multiple apps and services to use your shared geo-location information, such as Google Maps.

In order to save power, Google "enhanced" the location of the service: Allow the Android phone itself to confirm your location, and do not need to use GPS. An Android phone that "strengthens" the location service will send data to Google via nearby Wi-Fi. Google determines the location of that Wi-Fi access point by querying its own database. The information for this database is collected through Google's Street View map and other Android phone users. The obvious benefit is that phones with "enhanced" geolocation services have little extra power consumption, while GPs consumes a lot of power. In addition, GPS is faster than Google targeting with rough locations.

However, there are some privacy issues with Google's "enhanced" geolocation service. Last year, the Electronic frontier agency tested various models of Android phones, discovering that many of them leaked their previously connected network names and provided a dangerous and accurate location history for eavesdroppers, such as N.S.A or market data retailers. Google is particularly interested in this kind of information because it helps to develop "geo-aware" advertising (for example, now that Google has started to push his recent search to a retailer when they are near a retail store). Google, though, insists that geo-location information is "anonymous." But M.I.T's researchers believe that the "traces" left by mobile devices are unique (highly unique) and can easily be identified by using very little external information (outside information). In addition, it is sometimes difficult to ensure that other applications will do so.

The "enhanced" geolocation service offers many useful features, but many users do not want to continue sharing their geo-location information, even if no apps are running. Android phones are playing a trick here. Encourage users to open the "enhanced" geolocation service instead of describing how the service works and clarifying its privacy risks:

When users in the "Use enhanced geolocation service?" The "Do not agree" option is disabled when you select "no longer displayed" in the pop-up box. At this point, cancel "no longer displayed", "disagree" option is restored. However, the next time the user opens the location service, this popup box will appear again. Google's trick is that if you choose "No longer show", the user must wait a few seconds ... Then the popup disappears and your settings are saved. (although in some cases, this dialog box never appears in the settings bar, the user must wait until the screen is closed). By prohibiting the "Do not agree" button, coupled with annoying "waiting period", so that the user to turn off the popup box discouraged, that is, easy to choose, exit difficult. Maybe that's the only reason for this design element. Even if Google offers a range of useful tools, they should also help users make informed decisions about user data, rather than using deceptive user interface designs to oppress users for their services.

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How Google can trick users into sharing geo-location information