Overview

• Google acknowledged a technical issue that caused the deletion of some users' Timeline data on Google Maps, affecting those without encrypted backups.
• Users with encrypted backups can attempt data recovery through the app, but recovery is impossible for those without backups enabled.
• The issue follows Google's 2024 shift to on-device storage for location data, which increased risks for users not utilizing cloud backups.
• Google has faced criticism for its communication, including a lack of a formal apology and reliance on email notifications to inform affected users.
• The company is urging users to update their Timeline settings by May 18 to avoid additional data loss due to upcoming changes to the feature.