How to get around without being tracked
The two most popular navigation apps, Google Maps and Apple Maps, collect extensive location data that creates a permanent record of your travels. Google uses your location data to create targeted advertising profiles based on your location history and sell ad placements. They also share aggregated/anonymized location data with 3rd parties (advertisers, data mining groups). Apple does not use location data for advertising, nor does it share location data with 3rd parties.
The main concern, however, is that both companies are required share location data with law enforcement through legal requests (warrants, subpoenas). While Apple is more privacy-focused and resistant to requests, both companies ultimately comply with valid legal orders.
We can sidestep these concerns by:
- switching to an app that does not store/track our location data, OR
- using GPS hardware instead of our phones
Open Source Maps
Open source software is licensed as free to use, modify, and distribute, which ensures the technology remains freely accessible to the public. One of the main benefits of using open source technology is that it can be audited by anyone, including independent security researchers and privacy advocates, so you don't have to trust a company's claims about what their software actually does.
While open source maps are vital for privacy, they do have a few drawbacks compared to the mainstream map apps. Below we'll go over the pros and cons of open source maps, followed by a breakdown of our favorite open source map apps.
| Pro | Con |
|---|---|
| Store maps locally on your device | No real-time traffic updates, since it is offline |
| No location data collection or sharing | Map updates are manual & less frequent |
| Works completely offline | Address search may be less intuitive |
| Uses crowd-sourced data from OpenStreetMap | Limited business information (hours, reviews, etc.) |
OpenStreetMap (OsmAnd)
OpenStreetMap (aka OSM or OsmAnd) is a crowd-sourced mapping project powered by volunteers worldwide who collaborate to create and maintain a comprehensive, open-source geographic database.
OSM collects data on stationary objects rather than it’s users. There is an large and growing collection of mapped objects from broad items such as infrastructure and international boundaries to hyperlocal details like shops and park benches.
- Pros: tons of navigation features (lane assistance, speed warnings, multiple routing profiles), 7 free map downloads (regions/countries), paid version is buy once own forever ($10-15 and gives you unlimited map downloads)
- Cons: complex interface can be overwhelming and hard to use initially
Organic Maps
Organic maps are helpful for all commuters, not just drivers — their maps include cycling routes, hiking trails, contour lines, elevation profiles, all available with turn-by-turn navigation and voice guidance.
Organic Maps uses map data from OpenStreetMap and is designed to function without internet connectivity. It also includes an in-app editor that works offline and allows users to contribute updates and edits to OpenStreetMap.
- Pros: very user-friendly interface
- Cons: less granular control over the interface (compared to OSM)
Standalone GPS Devices
Standalone GPS devices are a great way to navigate without being tracked. They are not connected to the internet and do not collect or share your location data. They are also more reliable than mainstream map apps since they are not dependent on wifi or cellular data to function.
| Pro | Con |
|---|---|
| Cannot be tracked since there's no data connection | Up-front cost is high ($100-300+) |
| Always works without draining phone battery | Map updates can take 2-6 hours to complete |
| Reliable offline navigation with dedicated hardware | Another device to maintain and charge |
| Less current business/POI information | |
| Limited device storage, may require purchasing micro SD for extra storage (conversely, the apps above use less storage as their files are more efficiently compressed) |
Garmin DriveSmart 55
- Device Cost: $200-250, free lifetime map updates
- Maps Included: US/Canada or Europe
- Extra Features: Voice control, Amazon Alexa, hands-free calling
TomTom GO Comfort 5″
- Device Cost: $120-220, Free lifetime map updates
- Maps Included: North America or Europe
- Extra Features: Bluetooth, smartphone integration
Summary
For privacy-conscious navigation, offline apps like OsmAnd or Organic Maps offer the best balance of privacy and convenience. Standalone GPS devices provide maximum privacy at the cost of additional hardware and maintenance.