Google brings approximate location sharing to Chrome on Android

Google announced this week that Chrome on Android now supports approximate location sharing instead of precise location sharing. The update allows mobile users to limit the granularity of the location data they share with websites. While certain use cases require precise coordinates—such as finding a nearby ATM or placing a delivery order—approximate location is often sufficient for tasks like accessing local weather or news. By offering this choice, Google, a tech giant, aims to give users more authority over their personal information. “By letting you share your approximate location, we’re giving you more control over your location data,” Google explained.

Alongside the user-facing update, Google is introducing new Application Programming Interfaces (APIs)—the software protocols that allow different applications to communicate—for web developers. These new APIs will let developers request either an approximate location or specify when a precise location is necessary for their site to work. Google is encouraging web developers to review their current location data requirements and only request precise coordinates when it is essential for site functionality. This ensures that users do not lose access to critical features, such as navigation, which still rely on exact positioning.

The rollout is currently limited to mobile devices running Google’s operating system, but the company plans to bring the approximate location feature to the desktop version of Chrome in the coming months. However, Google has not shared a timeline for if or when the feature will launch for Chrome on iOS, leaving iOS users without a clear release window.

Why it matters

This update shifts the default privacy posture for Android users, forcing developers to justify requests for precise location data rather than defaulting to it.