Google sued over its user tracking after firm admits it tracks users location after tool is disabled

Google is facing a fresh wave of scrutiny after it was revealed that it stores users' location data even after they've turned 'Location History' off. The move follows an explosive report by the Associated Press, which revealed that several Google apps and websites store user location even if users turned off Location History. Even with Location History turned off, Google stores user location when, for instance, the Google Maps app is opened, or when users search things that aren't related to location The lawsuit is seeking unspecified damages for Google's alleged intentional violations of California privacy laws, and intrusion into people's private affairs Patacsil claimed that Google illegally tracked him on his Android phone and later on his iPhone, where he had downloaded some Google apps. A new investigation led by the Associated Press found that some Google apps automatically store time-stamped location data without asking - even when you've paused Location History. The investigation found, for example: Google stores a snapshot of where you are when you open its Maps app Automatic daily weather updates on Android phones pinpoint where you are each time the forecast is refreshed Simple searchers, such as 'chocolate chip cookies,' or 'kids science kits,' pinpoint your precise latitude and longitude – accurate to the square foot - and save it to your Google account This information is all logged as part of the 'Web and App Activity feature, which does not specifically reference location information in its description.