Privacy Policy

Last updated: February 2026

Our Commitment to Privacy

Google Maps Timeline Visualizer is designed with privacy as a core principle. We believe your location data is deeply personal, and we've built this tool to ensure it stays completely under your control.

Data Processing

All data processing happens locally in your browser. When you upload your Google Maps Timeline JSON file:

  • The file is read and processed entirely on your device
  • No location data is ever sent to our servers
  • No location data is stored anywhere outside your browser session
  • When you close the browser tab, your data is gone

What We Don't Collect

  • Your location history or any GPS coordinates
  • Your uploaded files or any part of their contents
  • Personal information from your Google account
  • Any identifiable information about your travels

What We Do Collect

We use Google Analytics to understand general usage patterns:

  • Page views and general traffic information
  • Browser type and device information
  • Approximate geographic region (country/city level, not precise location)

This analytics data helps us improve the tool and is completely separate from any location data you upload for visualization.

Third-Party Services

We use the following third-party services:

  • Google Maps API: Used to display the map visualization. Google may collect usage data according to their privacy policy.
  • Google Analytics: Used for website analytics as described above.
  • PayPal: Used to process donations (only if you choose to donate).

Open Source

This project is open source. You can verify our privacy practices by reviewing the code at github.com/Qualia-Li/googlemapstimeline.

Contact

If you have any questions about this privacy policy, you can reach us through the GitHub repository linked above.