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by harry-wood 2050 days ago
I can recommend OpenStreetMap alternatives mentioned at the end of the article. I'm not sure why it says they "still collect data". Pretty sure OsmAnd and Maps.ME are not collecting data in any surprising/evil ways (particularly as they can work entirely offline!)

The article says they "just aren’t as good" which obviously isn't very specific, but if you live in an area where the map detail doesn't seem so good, then you're in luck. Adding details of your neighbourhood to OpenStreetMap is a lot of fun! Might seem like on odd way of looking at things, but seriously. You should try it. Contribute to a not-for-profit free and open map of the world!
3 comments
43920 2050 days ago
Maps.me at least still is collecting data; if you look at their privacy policy (https://legal.my.com/us/maps/privacy/), they use your location data to “tailor and improve the adverts that are presented in the Services“.

As far as I know, OsmAnd is fine, and there’s also a couple of alternatives: https://gurumaps.app/ https://www.qwant.com/maps (Which can be installed as a PWA)

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Mediterraneo10 2050 days ago
OsmAnd still uses Android's own built-in geolocation to get network-assisted GPS location, and that built-in geolocation defaults to Google’s servers. So, Google still knows where you are even if you use an OSM-based map app instead of Google Maps.

Maps.me is an advertising-based business, and it is also controversial in the OSM community because it fails to properly credit OSM in violation of OSM’s license.

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jlkuester7 2050 days ago
I am a big fan of Magic Earth. They offer the best combo I have found of usability/privacy-policy for a navigation app.

https://www.magicearth.com/privacy/

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