Recently, we mentioned Google’s new Find My Device network and how well-known brands like Chipolo and Pebblebee have introduced compatible tracking beacons, with more brands expected to join soon.
However, Google’s Find My Device network has been facing notable criticism for prioritising privacy to the extent that it undermines the platform’s core purpose of effectively locating missing devices. Unlike Apple’s Find My network, which operates on an opt-out model and builds a robust tracking network from the vast majority of users, Google’s Find My Device requires users to actively opt in to share location data. This opt-in system, while reinforcing privacy, has limited network participation and compromised the network’s coverage, especially in areas with fewer users.
Some industry observers argue that Google’s commitment to privacy is unconvincing, given the company’s longstanding practices of data collection across various platforms. The irony of Google promoting user privacy while having a track record of data usage hasn’t escaped the attention of critics, who find the company’s claim to privacy-first design less persuasive in practice. Moreover, users are often left unclear on how to enable full functionality on their devices.