History of Google Maps in Timeline
Google Maps, used by over a billion people monthly, is a popular web mapping platform and consumer app by Google. It provides various features including satellite imagery, aerial photography, street maps, 360° street views, real-time traffic, and route planning for diverse modes of transportation like walking, driving, cycling, flying, and public transit.
September 2004: Google acquires ZipDash
In September 2004, further strengthening its mapping capabilities, Google acquired ZipDash, a company known for its real-time traffic analysis technology. This acquisition played a crucial role in the development of real-time traffic features within Google Maps.
October 2004: Where 2 Technologies is acquired by Google
In October 2004, Google acquired Where 2 Technologies, marking a pivotal step in the development and evolution of Google Maps. The acquisition brought the founders of Where 2 Technologies, including Lars and Jens Rasmussen, into Google.
October 2004: Google acquires Where 2 Technologies
In October 2004, Google acquired the Australian-based company Where 2 Technologies, the creators of a C++ desktop program that would become the foundation for Google Maps.
February 8, 2005: Google Maps Launch Announcement
The much-anticipated launch of Google Maps was officially announced on February 8, 2005, via a post on the Google Blog. This announcement marked the beginning of a new era in online mapping and navigation.
February 2005: Google Maps is officially launched
Following the acquisition of Where 2 Technologies and other key companies, Google officially launched Google Maps to the public in February 2005.
June 2005: Google Maps API Launched
In June 2005, Google launched the Google Maps API, a pivotal step that opened up its mapping platform for developers. This free service enabled the integration of Google Maps into external websites.
September 2005: Google Maps updates satellite imagery after Hurricane Katrina
In the wake of Hurricane Katrina's devastation in September 2005, Google Maps demonstrated its ability to respond to real-time events by swiftly updating its satellite imagery of New Orleans, allowing users to comprehend the scale of the flooding and its impact.
November 2005: Google Launches Beta Version of Google Maps for Mobile
Google released a beta version of its mobile mapping application, then called Google Local for Mobile, in November 2005 for devices supporting J2ME.
2005: ANSTO Raises Concerns About Potential Misuse of Google Maps Satellite Imagery
In 2005, the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) voiced concerns about the potential security risks posed by the detailed satellite imagery available on Google Maps. They highlighted the possibility of terrorists exploiting this imagery for planning attacks, specifically mentioning the Lucas Heights nuclear reactor as a potential target.
2006: Google Maps launches on mobile devices
Expanding its reach, Google released Google Maps for mobile devices in 2006, introducing features like GPS turn-by-turn navigation.
2006: Google Partners with AutoNavi for Chinese Map Data
In 2006, Google entered into a partnership with AutoNavi, a Chinese digital map provider, to ensure legal compliance with China's geographic data regulations. This collaboration allowed Google Maps to continue displaying Chinese map data within the country.
2006: Google Releases Google Maps for Mobile
In 2006, Google officially released Google Maps for Mobile, initially known as Google Local for Mobile.
February 2007: Google Releases Google Maps for Windows Mobile
Google released a version of Google Maps for Windows Mobile in February 2007.
April 2007: My Maps Feature Launches
April 2007 saw the launch of "My Maps," a feature within Google Maps that empowered users to create and share their own customized maps. This user-generated content addition allowed for personalized map experiences and opened up new possibilities for sharing location-based information.
May 25, 2007: Google Street View Launched
Google launched Street View on May 25, 2007, a feature providing 360° panoramic street-level views. Initially covering five US cities, it expanded globally.
November 2007: Google Releases Google Maps for Symbian
Google released a version of Google Maps for Symbian devices in November 2007.
November 28, 2007: Google Maps for Mobile 2.0 launches with "My Location" feature
On November 28, 2007, Google released Google Maps for Mobile 2.0, featuring a beta version of the groundbreaking "My Location" feature. Utilizing GPS, Assisted GPS, and cell tower triangulation, this feature enabled users to determine their approximate location on the map, revolutionizing mobile navigation.
2007: Google Maps introduces miniature view and "Info windows"
Enhancing the user experience, Google Maps introduced a miniature view with a draggable rectangle, providing a clear preview of the area displayed in the main viewport, in 2007. Additionally, "Info windows" were implemented to offer quick access to details about specific locations on the map.
2007: Google Maps Mobile 2.0 Announced with My Location Feature
Google announced version 2.0 of Google Maps Mobile in 2007, featuring a new "My Location" function that used cell towers to determine the user's location without relying on GPS.
2007: Live Traffic Data Introduced
In 2007, Google Maps introduced live traffic data, displaying traffic conditions using colored overlays on roads to represent traffic speed. This feature was powered by crowdsourced data from cellphone users.
March 2008: Google Adds Feature for User Edits on Map Data Inaccuracies
In March 2008, Google acknowledged occasional inaccuracies between its street map data and satellite imagery. To address this, they introduced a feature allowing users to contribute by editing the locations of houses and businesses.
September 2008: Google Maps Released for Android
Google Maps was released as a pre-loaded app on Google's new Android operating system in September 2008.
September 23, 2008: Dedicated Google Maps app released for Android
Coinciding with the unveiling of the first commercial Android device on September 23, 2008, Google announced the launch of a dedicated Google Maps app specifically designed for its burgeoning Android operating system.
2008: Leaked Documents Reveal GCHQ Surveillance of Smartphone Users through Google Maps
A leaked document from 2008 revealed that the GCHQ, a British intelligence agency, was engaging in mass surveillance by intercepting Google Maps queries made on smartphones. This revelation raised significant alarm about the privacy implications of location data collected through mapping services.
2008: Google Maps in Literature: "Senghor on the Rocks"
The German "geo-novel" titled "Senghor on the Rocks," published in 2008, uniquely incorporates Google Maps into its narrative structure. The story unfolds through spreads featuring a Google Maps location on one side and corresponding text on the other, illustrating the protagonist's journey through Senegal, West Africa.
July 2009: College Campus Mapping Expansion
By July 2009, Google expanded Street View to map college campuses, including surrounding paths and trails.
October 2009: Google Announces Turn-by-Turn Navigation for Android
Google announced turn-by-turn navigation as a beta feature for Android 2.0 devices in October 2009.
October 2009: Google switches to its own geospatial data
In a strategic move, Google transitioned away from Tele Atlas as its primary provider of geospatial data for the US version of Google Maps in October 2009. This shift to utilizing its own data marked a significant step towards Google's increasing independence and control over its mapping services.
December 2009: 45° Angle Aerial Imagery Introduced
In December 2009, Google introduced a "bird's-eye view" feature using 45° angle aerial imagery, initially available in San Jose and San Diego.
February 2010: 45° Imagery in Google Maps Labs
In February 2010, 45° angle aerial imagery became available as an experimental feature in Google Maps Labs.
July 2010: 45° Imagery Expansion
By July 2010, Google expanded the availability of 45° imagery to select cities in South Africa, the United States, Germany, and Italy.
October 2010: Nicaraguan Military Relies on Inaccurate Google Maps Data for Border Dispute
In October 2010, a border dispute arose when Nicaraguan military commander Edén Pastora cited inaccurate Google Maps data to justify the stationing of troops on Isla Calero. Google subsequently rectified the erroneous map information. This incident highlighted the real-world implications of map data accuracy and the potential for misinformation.
March 2011: Google Maps Introduces Indoor Maps
March 2011 marked a significant advancement for Google Maps with the introduction of indoor maps. This feature provided users with the ability to navigate within buildings like airports, museums, and shopping malls, enhancing the platform's utility for finding one's way in complex indoor spaces.
April 19, 2011: Map Maker launches in the US
Expanding user engagement, Google introduced Map Maker to the American version of Google Maps on April 19, 2011. This feature empowered users to contribute directly to the accuracy and up-to-dateness of maps by editing and adding changes.
September 2011: Google Deprecates Google Maps API for Flash
In September 2011, Google announced the deprecation of its Google Maps API for Flash. This move reflected the declining use of Flash and Google's focus on newer technologies for its mapping platform.
October 2011: MapsGL Introduced
October 2011 saw the introduction of MapsGL, a WebGL-powered version of Google Maps. This new iteration offered improved rendering capabilities and smoother transitions, enhancing the visual experience for users.
2011: Report highlights the recency of Google Maps' satellite imagery
In 2011, a report highlighted that a significant portion of Google Maps' satellite imagery was no more than three years old, showcasing the platform's commitment to providing up-to-date geographical information.
January 31, 2012: Google found guilty of abusing dominant position with free Maps app
In a legal case on January 31, 2012, a French court ruled that Google had abused its dominant market position by offering Google Maps for free, negatively impacting competitors like Bottin Cartographer. Google was ordered to pay fines and damages, although this ruling was later overturned on appeal.
June 2012: Google Maps partners with Canal and River Trust to map UK waterways
Expanding its mapping scope, Google partnered with the Canal and River Trust in June 2012 to map the United Kingdom's extensive network of rivers and canals. This collaboration aimed to enhance route planning for users, enabling them to incorporate locks, bridges, and towpaths into their journeys.
June 2012: Google Maps for Android Adds Offline Maps Support
Google Maps for Android added support for offline access to downloaded maps for specific regions in June 2012.
December 2012: Google Maps returns to the App Store
After being removed from Apple's default iOS 6 installation in September 2012, Google Maps made a comeback as a standalone application on the App Store in December 2012, providing iPhone and iPad users with an alternative to Apple's mapping solution.
January 29, 2013: Google Maps adds map of North Korea
Expanding its coverage of geopolitically sensitive areas, Google Maps added a map of North Korea on January 29, 2013, providing users with a rare glimpse into the isolated nation.
March 2013: My Maps Android App Released
Initially launched as "Google Maps Engine Lite" in March 2013, the My Maps Android app offered a mobile platform for users to create and interact with custom maps. This app provided a dedicated mobile experience for My Maps users.
May 3, 2013: Google Maps recognizes Palestine as a country
Reflecting evolving geopolitical realities, Google Maps officially recognized Palestine as a country on May 3, 2013, moving away from its previous practice of redirecting users to the Palestinian territories. This change sparked both praise and criticism from different groups.
July 2013: Google Maps for iOS Adds iPad Support
Support for iPad was added to the Google Maps iOS app in July 2013 with the release of version 2.0.
August 9, 2013: Google Discontinues Latitude Service Due to Privacy Concerns
Google discontinued its location-sharing service, Google Latitude, on August 9, 2013, due to growing privacy concerns.
August 2013: Google Maps removes Wikipedia Layer
In August 2013, Google Maps removed the Wikipedia Layer, a feature that had previously provided users with convenient links to Wikipedia content about locations displayed on the map. This decision sparked discussion about data integration and the relationship between Google and Wikipedia.
2013: Google Maps becomes the world's most popular smartphone app
By 2013, Google Maps achieved a significant milestone, becoming the world's most popular smartphone app. With over 54% of global smartphone users relying on the app, it solidified its position as a leading navigation and mapping tool.
2013: Waze Acquired by Google
In 2013, Google acquired Waze, a community-based traffic and navigation app.
2013: Snow Creek Bridge Collapses in Hickory, North Carolina
In 2013, the Snow Creek Bridge in Hickory, North Carolina, collapsed.
January 27, 2014: Snowden Leaks Reveal NSA and GCHQ Interception of Google Maps Data
On January 27, 2014, documents leaked by Edward Snowden unveiled that the NSA and GCHQ had been intercepting Google Maps queries made on smartphones. The leaked information exposed government surveillance practices and raised significant privacy concerns related to location tracking through Google Maps.
April 2014: Gmail iOS App Update Raises Privacy Concerns
In April 2014, Quartz reported on privacy concerns related to an update to the Gmail iOS app. The update enabled cross-app sign-in for Google services, including Maps, allowing Google to potentially track user activity across its various apps.
May 2014: Offline Maps Support Expanded for iOS and Android
Google expanded and improved offline maps support for both iOS and Android devices in May 2014.
August 2014: Location Tracking Concerns Raised
Dylan Tweney of VentureBeat published an article in August 2014 raising privacy concerns regarding Google Maps' location tracking. Tweney highlighted Google's ability to log users' locations and provided instructions on disabling location history.
2014: Google Underwater Street View Launched
In late 2014, Google introduced Underwater Street View, featuring 2,300 kilometers of the Australian Great Barrier Reef in 3D.
April 2015: Vandalism on Google Maps leads to Map Maker moderation changes
In April 2015, an instance of vandalism on Google Maps, where an image of the Android logo appearing to urinate on the Apple logo was inserted near Rawalpindi, Pakistan, prompted Google to make significant changes to Map Maker. While the company quickly addressed the vandalism, it exposed vulnerabilities in the moderation system. Google temporarily disabled user moderation and, subsequently, editing worldwide until new policies for approving edits and preventing vandalism could be implemented.
April 29, 2015: Classic Google Maps Retired
On April 29, 2015, Google retired the classic version of Google Maps, redirecting users to the new Google Maps interface. Users had the option to opt out of the new version.
May 2015: Google Maps Search Results for Offensive Racial Slurs Directed to White House
In May 2015, Google faced a backlash when it was discovered that searches for offensive racial slurs targeting African Americans on Google Maps directed users to the White House. This incident highlighted the potential for algorithmic bias and the importance of addressing offensive content in search results. Google issued an apology for the incident.
July 14, 2015: Chinese Name for Scarborough Shoal Removed
On July 14, 2015, Google Maps removed the Chinese name for Scarborough Shoal following a petition on Change.org from the Philippines.
December 2015: Japanese Netizens Charged with Vandalism on Google Maps
In December 2015, three people in Japan were charged with vandalism for adding false information to Google Maps, including an unrelated law firm's name and inappropriate names to significant locations like the Atomic Bomb Dome and the Izumo Taisha.
2015: Offline Functionality Introduced
Google Maps launched its offline functionality at the end of 2015, offering users the ability to access maps without an internet connection, though with limitations on downloadable area size and storage requirements.
June 27, 2016: New Satellite Imagery from Landsat 8
On June 27, 2016, Google Maps updated its satellite imagery globally with data from Landsat 8, incorporating over 700 trillion pixels of new information.
September 2016: Urban Engines Acquisition
In September 2016, Google Maps acquired Urban Engines, a startup focused on mapping analytics.
November 2016: Google Announces Discontinuation of Map Maker
In November 2016, Google announced it would be discontinuing its Map Maker service in March 2017. Map Maker allowed users to contribute to the accuracy and detail of Google Maps.
2016: South Korea's Geographic Database Access Offer Declined
In 2016, the South Korean government offered Google conditional access to its geographic database, which would have enabled Google Maps to provide high-detail maps in South Korea. Google declined the offer due to restrictions on reducing quality around sensitive locations.
January 2017: Parking Difficulty Indicator Launched
In January 2017, Google Maps introduced a feature for Android users in select U.S. cities that indicated the difficulty of finding parking, aiding users in their parking search.
March 2017: Google Discontinues Map Maker
Google discontinued its Map Maker service in March 2017.
March 22, 2017: Google Integrates Latitude Features into Google Maps
On March 22, 2017, Google integrated features from its discontinued Latitude service, which allowed users to share their locations, into Google Maps.
April 2017: Parking Location Memory Added
An April 2017 update to Google Maps on both Android and iOS platforms added a convenient feature enabling the app to remember users' parking locations.
August 2017: Enhanced Parking Assistance Introduced
August 2017 saw the Google Maps Android app receive an update with new functionality designed to actively assist users in locating parking lots and garages near their destinations.
2017: Google Maps reaches two billion users on Android
In 2017, Google reported that its Maps app had reached a massive two billion users on its Android operating system alone, further demonstrating its widespread adoption and dominance in the mobile mapping market.
January 2018: Google Maps Go Beta Release
Google released a beta version of "Google Maps Go" in January 2018, a lightweight version of the app optimized for lower-end mobile devices with limited resources.
May 2018: API Changes and Price Hike Announced
In May 2018, Google announced significant changes to its API structure, effective June 11, 2018. The changes involved merging plans and resulted in a price increase for users, sparking controversy within the developer community.
June 11, 2018: API Price Increase Postponement
Google postponed the API price increase to July 16, 2018, after receiving backlash from the developer community.
June 2018: Google Maps API Pricing Changes and API Key Requirement Announced
In June 2018, Google announced significant changes to its Maps API pricing and access policies. The once-free service transitioned to a paid model requiring an API key linked to a Google Cloud account with billing enabled. This marked a shift in Google's monetization strategy for its popular mapping platform.
June 21, 2018: Google Increases Prices of Maps API, Requires Billing Profile
On June 21, 2018, Google implemented price hikes for its Maps API and mandated the use of a billing profile for access. This change solidified the platform's shift towards a paid model, requiring developers to associate their usage with payment information.
July 16, 2018: API Structure Changes Implemented
On July 16, 2018, Google implemented changes to its API structure, consolidating 18 endpoints into three services and merging basic and premium plans into a pay-as-you-go model.
September 2018: 10 Million Installations of Google Maps Go
By September 2018, Google Maps Go, the lightweight alternative designed for lower-end devices, had garnered over 10 million installations, reflecting its growing popularity among users seeking a more resource-efficient navigation solution.
January 2019: Speed Trap and Camera Alerts Added
In January 2019, Google Maps introduced speed trap and speed camera alerts based on user reports, enhancing driver awareness and safety.
March 2019: 5 Billion Installations on Android
The Google Maps Android app reached a significant milestone in March 2019, surpassing five billion installations.
June 2019: Google Maps Misdirects Drivers in Colorado, Leading to Vehicles Stuck in Mud
Nearly 100 drivers in Colorado were stranded in June 2019 after Google Maps suggested a detour onto a muddy dirt road. The incident occurred after a crash on Peña Boulevard, highlighting the risks of relying solely on navigation apps, especially in unpredictable weather.
October 2019: Transit Route Update
An October 2019 update to Google Maps enabled the app to display users' transit routes more clearly.
October 17, 2019: Incident Reporting Introduced
On October 17, 2019, Google Maps introduced incident reporting, similar to a feature in Waze, allowing users to report accidents, speed traps, and other traffic incidents.
December 2019: Incognito Mode Launched
Google Maps added Incognito mode in December 2019, allowing users to use the app without saving their searches or location history to their Google account, enhancing privacy.
2019: Live View with Augmented Reality Launched
The Android version of Google Maps introduced "Live View" in 2019, a feature leveraging augmented reality to display navigation directions directly overlaid onto the real-time camera view of the road.
February 2020: Artist Simon Weckert Creates Fake Traffic Jam on Google Maps
Artist Simon Weckert used 99 cell phones to manipulate Google Maps data in February 2020, creating a virtual traffic jam in Berlin. This act sparked discussions about the reliability and potential manipulation of real-time data in navigation apps.
February 2020: 15th Anniversary Redesign
In February 2020, Google Maps celebrated its 15th anniversary with a redesign, including a new app icon reminiscent of the original 2005 version.
July 2020: Bike Share Routes Added
In July 2020, Google Maps added bike share routes, offering users more sustainable transportation options.
August 2020: Google Simplifies Business Profile Editing
In August 2020, Google enhanced its business profile management by allowing owners to directly edit their information from search results. By searching for "my business" or their company name, owners gained quick access to update their profile.
September 23, 2020: COVID-19 Layer Update
On September 23, 2020, Google Maps rolled out a COVID-19 Layer update, providing users with a seven-day average of COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people in a selected area, along with trend indicators.
2020: Google Maps surpasses one billion monthly users
By 2020, Google Maps had reached a significant milestone, surpassing one billion monthly active users worldwide.
2020: Webby Award for Best User Interface
Google Maps received recognition for its user interface design in 2020, winning the Webby Award for "Best User Interface" in the Apps, Mobile & Voice category.
2020: Teenager Freezes to Death After Google Maps Directs Car to Abandoned Road
In a tragic incident in 2020, a teenager was found frozen to death, while his passenger suffered severe frostbite, after their vehicle became disabled on an abandoned section of the R504 Kolyma Highway in Russia. They were reportedly directed there by Google Maps, highlighting the potentially life-threatening consequences of inaccurate navigation data.
January 2021: COVID-19 Vaccination Site Display Feature Announced
In January 2021, Google announced a forthcoming feature in Google Maps to display COVID-19 vaccination sites.
January 2021: Electric Vehicle Routing Updates Announced
In January 2021, Google announced updates to its route planner to support electric vehicle drivers, considering factors like vehicle type, charge status, and charging station locations.
March 2021: User-Generated Road Drawing Feature Added
In March 2021, Google Maps introduced a community-driven feature allowing users to contribute to map accuracy by drawing in missing roads.
October 2021: My Maps Android App Removed from Play Store
In October 2021, Google discontinued the My Maps Android app, removing it from the Play Store. This move signaled a shift in Google's mobile strategy for the My Maps feature.
November 2021: 10 Billion Installations on Android
By November 2021, the Google Maps app on the Android platform had achieved a remarkable milestone, surpassing 10 billion installations, solidifying its position as one of the most widely used mobile applications globally.
June 2022: Air Quality Layer Added
Google Maps introduced an air quality layer in June 2022, displaying air quality information for specific countries, assisting users in making informed decisions about outdoor activities.
June 2022: Toll Calculation Support Implemented
June 2022 marked the introduction of toll calculation support in Google Maps. Available on both iOS and Android, this feature calculates and displays toll costs for routes in the US, India, Japan, and Indonesia, covering approximately 2,000 toll roads initially, with plans for further expansion.
September 2022: Immersive View Previewed
Google Maps previewed Immersive View with 250 photorealistic aerial 3D images of landmarks in September 2022.
September 2022: COVID-19 Layer Removed
In September 2022, Google removed the COVID-19 Layer from Google Maps due to decreased usage.
2022: Lens in Maps Launches
In late 2022, Google Maps introduced "Lens in Maps," a feature using augmented reality and AI to provide real-time information about businesses and locations captured through a phone's camera. Initially launched in major cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, London, and Paris, Lens in Maps overlays details like operating hours, customer reviews, and pricing onto live camera views.
February 2023: Immersive View Launched
Immersive View, combining 3D images from Street View and aerial photography to create a detailed view of locations, was launched in February 2023.
August 2023: Woman Stranded After Google Maps Directs Her to Wrong Location
In August 2023, a woman in Australia was stranded in the desert overnight after Google Maps provided directions to the wrong "Harts Range." Google acknowledged the issue, stating they were working with local sources to rectify the naming confusion.
September 2023: Google Sued After North Carolina Man Dies Following Google Maps Directions
In September 2023, Google faced a lawsuit from a North Carolina resident claiming that Google Maps directed her husband over the collapsed Snow Creek Bridge, leading to his death. The lawsuit alleged that Google had been notified about the bridge's condition but failed to update the route.
October 2023: Immersive View for Routes Launched
Google launched Immersive View for routes in October 2023 for 15 cities worldwide, expanding the feature's capabilities.
October 2023: Lens in Maps Expands to 50 New Cities
In October 2023, Lens in Maps, Google Maps' AI-powered visual search feature, experienced its most significant expansion yet, becoming available in 50 new cities. This feature, which launched in late 2022 in a limited number of cities, allows users to identify and learn more about places by pointing their phone camera at them.
November 2023: Hiker Rescued After Following Non-Existent Trail on Google Maps
A hiker in Vancouver had to be rescued in November 2023 after following a non-existent trail on Google Maps. This was the second such incident in two months, prompting the removal of the inaccurate trail information from the app.
November 2023: Google Apologizes for Directing Drivers Through Desert Roads During Dust Storm
Google issued an apology in November 2023 after Google Maps directed drivers through hazardous desert roads in California during a dust storm. The incident occurred after a section of Interstate 15 was closed, and the app's suggested detour led drivers astray, prompting Google to adjust its routing algorithms.
February 2024: Glanceable Directions Launched
In February 2024, Google Maps began rolling out glanceable directions, allowing Android and iOS users to track their journey directly from their lock screen.
February 2024: Tourists Stranded Following Google Maps Directions in Australia
Two German tourists were stranded for a week in February 2024 after relying on Google Maps while driving through Oyala Thumotang National Park in Queensland, Australia. Their vehicle got stuck in mud on a dirt track recommended by the app, leading to a warning from park rangers about the unreliability of Google Maps in remote areas.
May 2024: Google Announces Removal of Chat Feature from Google Business Profile
In May 2024, Google announced its decision to remove the chat feature from Google Business Profile. This decision was part of a larger effort to streamline the platform and focus on core functionalities.
July 15, 2024: Google Business Profile Discontinues New Chat Conversations
On July 15, 2024, Google Business Profile took a step towards discontinuing its chat feature. From this date forward, the platform disabled the initiation of new chat conversations.
July 31, 2024: Google Business Profile Shuts Down Chat Feature
By July 31, 2024, Google fully retired the chat functionality within Google Business Profile. This move marked the complete removal of the chat feature from the platform.
2024: Google Starts Phasing Out Web Access to Timeline
In mid-2024, Google began a gradual process of restricting access to the Timeline feature on web browsers. The feature, which provided users with a historical log of their location data, was shifted towards local device storage instead of being accessible via web browsers.
