Google Maps is testing a new ad format that gives users the option to add a stop for a sponsored location during navigation.
    • Salix@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
      23·
      4 months ago

      They get the traffic data from some third party, not by following their users like gmaps.

      https://www.magicearth.com/faq-en/

      Do you share data with third parties?

      We send position data to our traffic provider to generate real-time traffic information. The data is anonymized on the phone, using a changing key (so it’s not linked to you), and it is deleted after 5 minutes.

      They have a good privacy policy though. I haven’t really had many issues with their app.

    • BadlyDrawnRhino @aussie.zoneEnglish
      5·
      4 months ago

      Thanks for this, I’m going to try this out on my way home. My main use for Gmaps is to determine the quickest way to and from work during peak hour, so keen to see how Magic Earth’s traffic data compares.

      • KISSmyOS@feddit.orgEnglish
        21·
        4 months ago

        the quickest way to and from work during peak hour

        Everyone is using Google for that, so on average, traffic on all alternative routes will level out quickly and it doesn’t matter which one you choose.

          • Ironfist@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
            1·
            4 months ago

            not really, not everybody has the same destination, but a lot of people need to go in the same direction at a given moment (thats why you are stuck in traffic in this situation).

    • akilou@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
      21·
      4 months ago

      But at that point what are you even gaining? If you’re looking for privacy you’re just trading Google tracking you for “third party service provider” tracking you

      • infeeeee@lemm.eeEnglish
        6·
        4 months ago

        No. It means they get the data from somewhere else, maybe from some carsharing app, or from some government db from car counting thingies mounted on traffic lights, etc. There are other sources to get traffic data ftom, but usually following users is more convenient and reliable

        They wont tell us where they get it from, they only say it’s not generated via this app. They are followimg someone, but not me.