[GeekyBear]

Describing Google's data collection practices as "opt in" is a bit generous.

>In going through a set of privacy popups put out in May by Facebook, Google, and Microsoft, the researchers found that the first two especially feature “dark patterns, techniques and features of interface design mean to manipulate users…used to nudge users towards privacy intrusive options.”

https://techcrunch.com/2018/06/27/study-calls-out-dark-patte...

[eitland]

> Describing Google's data collection practices as "opt in" is a bit generous.

Maybe it is not clear but I was talking about location history.

At least I think I had to opt in to that at some point.

[GeekyBear]

Location history is one of the areas where Google has employed dark patterns.

For example:

>Ways that Google tricks users into sharing location

Android users are pushed through a variety of techniques:

Deceptive click-flow: The click-flow when setting up an Android device pushes users into enabling “Location History” without being aware of it.

Hidden default settings: When setting up a Google account, the Web & App activity settings are hidden behind extra clicks and enabled by default..

Misleading and unbalanced information: Users are not given sufficient information when presented with choices, and are misled about what data is collected and how it is used. Information about location data being used for advertising, for example, is hidden away behind extra clicks.

Repeated nudging: Users are repeatedly asked to turn on “Location History” when using different Google services even if they decided against this feature when setting up their phone.

Bundling of services and lack of granular choices: If the user wants features such as Google Assistant and photos sorted by location, Google turns on invasive location tracking.

https://www.forbrukerradet.no/side/google-manipulates-users-...

More alarmingly, when users attempted to turn off location tracking:

>In a wonderfully clear example of “dark patterns” designed to mislead users and retain control over their data, Google continues tracking your location even when you turn off Location History and are told that “the places you go are no longer stored.” Google says it tells users, but its disclosure is the bare minimum and users are discouraged from further interference with data collection.

https://techcrunch.com/2018/08/13/google-keeps-a-history-of-...