Google Messages doesn’t share location data with third parties

Android 14‘s latest update brought a notable feature – an expanded “Data sharing updates for location” dashboard. However, confusion ensued as Google Messages users received warnings that their location data was being shared with third parties. Google has now clarified that this warning is a result of an error in the app’s Play Store listing, and no actual data sharing with third parties is occurring.

Users reported seeing Google Messages in the privacy dashboard, with a message indicating that their location data is now being shared with third parties, provided they have enabled the app’s location permission for the sharing feature. The warnings displayed on this page are generated based on changes to the Data safety section of Google Play, which app developers self-report.

Google clarifies: No location data shared by Messages despite the Android 14 warning

The Data safety section, introduced in 2022, allows app developers to provide information about their data sharing practices. However, it is the responsibility of individual developers to accurately report their data sharing practices. Additionally, they can update this information at any time.

In the case of Google Messages, the app’s development team has responded to this matter. The team acknowledged that they mistakenly checked the wrong Data safety box on the Play Store. Currently, both Approximate and Precise location data are listed under “Data that may be shared with other companies or organizations.” However, Google clarified that Google Messages is not actually sharing location data with third parties. The warning was triggered due to a listing error.

It’s important to note that other major Google apps listed on the Play Store have been reported as “No data shared with third parties,” emphasizing Google’s commitment to user privacy. Google recently noted “Maps never sells data to anyone, including advertisers.” Significant in context, Google informs that Maps will soon start saving your location history locally. As Google initially assured users, the error in the Messages’ Play Store listing has already been corrected.