Google Chrome Fixes Major Location Privacy Issue

Google has started rolling out a new privacy feature for the Android version of Google Chrome that lets users share approximate location data with websites instead of their exact GPS coordinates.

The update gives users more control over how much location data websites can access while still allowing most location-based services to work normally.

Previously, Chrome on Android generally required precise location access whenever a website requested location permissions.

With the new feature, users can now choose between sharing their exact location or a broader approximate area, such as a nearby region or neighborhood.

Google said approximate location sharing is useful for websites that only need general area information, including weather updates, local news, or nearby recommendations.

Precise location access will remain available for services that require exact positioning, such as navigation, ride-hailing, delivery tracking, or finding nearby businesses.

New APIs for Developers

Google also plans to introduce new APIs that will let web developers request either approximate or precise location data depending on their needs.

The company said developers should request precise location access only when necessary for key website functions.

The approximate location feature is currently rolling out on Chrome for Android.

Google also confirmed that support for approximate location sharing will expand to desktop versions of Chrome in the coming months.