Google gives users more control over photo location data in Android Photo Picker
Google's new Photo Picker API lets users decide whether to share photo location data with apps, balancing privacy and app functionality.
Currently, Android's Photo Picker strips EXIF location data by default when photos are shared with apps. While this protects privacy, some apps rely on that metadata for legitimate functions. The new API will prompt users to choose whether to include location data for each app. Once a user agrees, they won't be asked again for that app, but can revoke or regrant access at any time using the location button in the bottom-right corner of the Photo Picker UI.
In June, code suggested Google was working on more granular location controls. Now the company has confirmed the change. Mishaal Rahman, who manages community engagement for Android at Google, revealed the update in a Reddit post, describing it as addressing a "common pain point" among developers.
The feature gives users more flexibility, allowing them to share location data with apps they trust, while keeping it private from others.