Google Photos won’t access user data for estimated image locations: How will it affect users – Times of India

Google Photos has been offering estimated locations of photos and videos without geodata for a long time now. These locations help users to search and organise their files. For location data, Photos currently uses the data saved in the device’s camera, the ones added manually by the user and other inputs like visible landmarks and the user’s Location History. According to a new report by 9to5Google, a company spokesperson has confirmed that Google Photos will no longer use Location History to estimate locations for new and existing photos. The report also mentions that the tech giant is also investing heavily in identifying landmarks. Moreover, Google also allows users to manage their location settings from Google Photos.
Google Photos geolocation data: What is it
Previously, the company used the location history of the Google account to show estimated locations of photos and videos. However, Google has now reportedly stopped using users’ geolocation data and is also offering users the ability to remove those estimates.
The company describes location history as an optional Google account setting that saves the locations users visit with their devices. This feature offers users personalised maps, recommendations and more. Earlier, Google Photos used this geodata location to estimate the missing locations.

Google’s photo backup service also used another way to provide an estimated location by recognising the visible landmarks in pictures. As per the report, Google Photos has now stopped using location history data to estimate locations for new photos and videos. Instead, the company is focusing more on its work on Google Lens, Maps Live View, and more.
How will this change affect users
For this change, Google is now allowing users to remove all estimated photo locations. This includes the ones derived from Location History and landmarks. An in-app prompt will start appearing for users which will let them “keep” or “delete” the estimates. Users can choose to delete the estimates within May 1, 2023, or else Google will automatically remove them.
However, Google will re-estimate all missing locations without location history using the visible landmarks if users keep the “Estimate missing locations” option enabled in Google Photos settings.
Users can find this feature in the “Location sources” part of the “Location” section in the Google Photos settings. Google will also enable users to view and manage estimated locations from this screen through a gallery and a map view.