Google Stops Sharing Data with Wireless Carriers over Privacy Concerns

A recent report claims that Google has shut down a service which showed wireless carriers weak spots in their network coverage over privacy concerns.

Reuters reports that Google has shut down a service it provided to wireless carriers worldwide which gave them information on the weak spots in their network coverage. Google is reportedly shutting down the service over fears that sharing data from Android users phones may attract scrutiny from users and regulators about privacy vulnerabilities.

The service was not previously reported and the sudden shutdown of it has disappointed wireless carriers that used the information in their decision-making processes on where to extend or upgrade their coverage. The data sent to the carriers was anonymous but Google’s decision to shut down the service would appear to show a level of worry over data and privacy regulation of the firm in the future.

Google’s Mobile Network Insights service was launched in March 2017 and acted as a map which showed carriers signal strengths and connections speeds in each area. The service was given to carriers and vendors for free and helped them to manage their operations. The data for the system was generated by devices running Google’s Android mobile operating system which accounts for 75 percent of the world’s smartphones.

The data obtained by the system was taken from users that had opted to share location history and usage diagnostics with Google. However, Google shut down the service in April with a spokesperson stated that “product priorities” were behind the decision to end the project. “We worked on a program to help mobile partners improve their networks through aggregated and anonymized performance metrics,” the spokesperson said. “We remain committed to improving network performance across our apps and services for users.”

Lucas Nolan is a reporter for Breitbart News covering issues of free speech and online censorship. Follow him on Twitter @LucasNolan or email him at lnolan@breitbart.com