[hddqsb]

Somewhat relevant: Google Maps can learn the location of your IP based on which locations you browse in the map. If you browse a specific location enough times, it will use that as the default location when you open Google Maps, even if you clear all cookies. (I discovered this just from using Google Maps, and I'm a little concerned by the privacy implications, considering that multiple people may share an IP address.)

[gniv]

I suspect it's the other way around. Google just has a very good IP geolocation db, so it uses that when you browse, absent any other info.

[hddqsb]

Google certainly uses its geolocation DB, but it also learns based on map browsing patterns.

To clarify, the scenario I described is as follows: 1. Initially, when I open Google Maps in a clean browser it defaults to my real location. 2. I repeatedly browse some other location. 3. When I open Google Maps in a clean browser, it defaults to that other location. The only reason for Google Maps to pick that other location is my map browsing.

[gniv]

Thanks for clarifying. That is indeed surprising and you are probably right.

[cvalka]

The person you're replying to is right. We've empirically tested it.

[netsharc]

Well it has reporting beacons all over the world with GPS receivers, in the form of Android phones, and perhaps Google Maps users on iPhone too..

[is_true]

That would explain why it sometimes it thinks I'm in a river I paddle often and other times where I have my summer house.

[cvalka]

They use this for Google Workspace and data localization (including law enforcement localization).