[–] MRPockets 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
I never turn mine on except for when using a map. I've got all the location stuff turned off that I know of. I also don't have Google Apps (GApps) on my phone, so Google would be hard pressed to track me physically. For online, I run an adblocker, so Google Analytics is gone too (they have plenty of other services though that are much harder to avoid).
If you are concerned enough, you might want to look into running GApps free CyanogenMod or better yet Replicant if your phone is supported.
If you are interested, you might like /v/flossdroid, a subverse dedicated to Free/Libre Android & therefore emphasizing user freedom (no tracking, etc). It's still small, but I'm working to grow it. I'm the mod for full disclosure.
[–] passwordsonvoatrbad 0 points 2 points 2 points (+2|-0) ago
Anyone use Android based Replicant?
[–] [deleted] 0 points 2 points 2 points (+2|-0) ago
[–] tanukihat 1 point 3 points 4 points (+4|-1) ago
This is like committing Voat suicide among certain groups (hi /v/conspiracy!) but I really don't give a shit if Google tracks me. In fact, it makes my life significantly better if Google tracks me - I get on-the-fly traffic reports based on my GPS location, nearby restaurant recommendations based on my search history, and all my data and contacts are backed up on the Google cloud service.
And what are the cons? Google might, what, sell my fingerprint to the Skynet AI when the machines take over? Sorry I left my tinfoil hat at home.
[–] [deleted] 2 points 3 points 5 points (+5|-2) ago
[–] ibepokey [S] 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
i have, and that is a part of the software that cannot be disabled as far as i know. It was kind of helpful in finding the right authorities to report to. Found a DUI driver at 5:30 in the morning, and it took several transfers to get to the right department, since the driver was driving across different jurisdictions.
[–] MRPockets 0 points 3 points 3 points (+3|-0) ago
A problem(?) inherent in the way cell phones work. It has nothing to do with your phone & everything to do with your phone service. If it worries you (speaking generally, not to you OP), your only real choice is to ditch your cell phone (satellite phone might be an option, but even then they will know where you are when you have it on).
[–] Grumpy_Old_Man 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
The latest disturbing news I heard was facebook can remotely turn on your microphone on your phone and listen to what you're talking about. Then target ads about what you were discussing when you open facebook. Anybody else hear about that?
[–] MRPockets 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
Yep. This is one of the reasons I refuse to have anything to do with Facebook personally. I do maintain a corporate page, but only ever on said corporation's computers. The app will never touch my phone.