I would like to disable the auto location on searches. It isn't only Google. However, I have followed Google's instructions for opt-out, but I don't find the option with the spanner, or anything else under the toolbar. Can someone please explain this? I'm sure it's simple, and under my nose, so to speak. Thanks, all, in anticipation.
iPad 2
When location services are on there is a menu below that lets you select which apps you want to have access. Google will sometimes use your IP address to find locations.
lv, I have location services already turned off in settings. That's why this is so disconcerting. I thought that all location services would be disabled. iPad 2 doesn't have an option for specifics, such as Google or search engines, I don't think. But I will check. Nope. Just checked. Location services are either on or off. They're off. Is this a Safari issue, Google issue or both, do you know?
Opting out and turning off location services really only affects whether or not your device provides location data. Unfortunately, Google maintains a database of the geolocations or IP addresses. If your device doesn't tell them where you are, they can still guess based on the IP address. Many of those guesses will be very accurate. For example, if you are at an established business using their WiFi, they will know exactly where you are.
This is going to be the same for ANY service from anyone. They are carefully maping out all the static locations of IP addresses and gateways.
That said, sometimes the IP addresses get reassigned and move to a new location. Sometimes with humorous results (like Jenny Craig getting the Cheesecake Factory's old IP address).
Gotcha. I checked, since I did those settings a while ago. I had turned Safari OFF. I have no doubt they are using IP address; it's a matter of how they get around it. There has to be a resolution to this. I tried other search engines, and sure enough, I get all local search info. NOT helpful! Is don't-be-evil Google leading all search on Safari? Thanks for your help.
Meg, on the iPad, none of this works. Settings etc simply sends you to Google's whole privacy policy. Mine claims they don't have a location for me, since I have Safari location OFF, and indeed, there is nothing in the location part. Here's what it says. Get this. "WE HAVEN'T PROVIDED A WAY TO TURN OFF LOCATION CUSTOMIZATION":
Location Turn Off (my words, the rest is theirs)
_________________
"The customization of search results based on location is an important component of a consistent, high-quality search experience. Therefore, we haven't provided a way to turn off location customization, although we've made it easy for you to set your own location or to customize using a general location as broad as the country that matches your local domain.
If you find that your results for a particular search are more local than what you're looking for, you can set your location to a broader geographical area (such as a country instead of a city, zip code, or street address). Please note that this will greatly reduce the amount of locally relevant results that you’ll see."
_____________
So it appears they are going to use your IP whether you like it or not. And this is a Safari/Apple follow-the-money issue, as far as I'm concerned. This looked as though it was revised last month. If there's a way around it on the iPad, I'd sure like to know! Thanks much for your help.
Yeah, I want to thank everyone. I was getting super frustrated with the stalking aspect of it, but I guess that's what one has to expect. I knew it was the IP address, and I don't get this on anything but the flipping iPad. So, it's back to the laptop. I think that no one has an expectation of privacy couched in the language above of "providing a personalized search". I don't want a personalized search. I want as wide a search as possible, but otoh, I realize it's for local adverts. Sigh! Enough for today. If anyone figures out a way around it, kindly let me know! Pretty funny about Jenny Craig, I admit.... Merry spring to all!
Settings>location services>turn off Google
Go to google.com. Scroll down to the bottom of the page. Tap "Settings". Under "Device Location", tap the "Do not allow" button. This works from the mobile verision of the Google home page.
How can I stop auto location on Google/searches?
