Google has added a new privacy feature to Chrome on Android that lets users share their approximate location with websites instead of giving away their exact location.
The company announced the update this week, saying the change gives users more control over their location data. Google explained that some services still require precise location, such as delivery apps, navigation tools, or websites that help users find the nearest ATM. But in many cases, a rough location is enough, especially for things like local weather, nearby news, or regional content.
Google said users can now choose to share only their approximate location when exact tracking is not necessary. At the same time, they can still allow precise location access when a website truly needs it, so important features will continue to work as expected.
The feature is currently available on Chrome for Android. Google also plans to bring it to desktop versions of Chrome in the coming months, though the company has not said whether or when it will arrive on Chrome for iOS.
Google is also introducing new APIs for web developers. These will allow websites to ask for either an approximate location or clearly request a precise location when it is required. The company said developers should review how they use location data and only ask for precise access when it is essential for their website’s functionality.
The update is a small but useful privacy improvement for Android users, giving them more control over how much location information they share with websites.
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