Chrome on Android now allows users to share an approximate location with websites instead of their exact location, Google announced this week. Google states that while precise location is needed in some scenarios, like placing a delivery order or finding the nearest ATM, an approximate location works fine for accessing local weather and news.
“By letting you share your approximate location, we’re giving you more control over your location data,” Google explained in a blog post. “And you can still share your precise location when it’s needed, such as for navigation, so you won’t lose functionality.”
Google plans to roll out this feature to desktop in the coming months. The company has not provided a timeline for when or if this feature will launch for Chrome on iOS.
Additionally, Google will introduce new APIs that allow web developers to request an approximate location or specify when a precise location is necessary. The company encourages developers to assess their location needs and only request precise location when essential for the site’s functionality.
This new feature provides Android users with more control over the location data they share with websites.