Google Search Tools how to disable location tracking

[ashanta]

Hi,

Every time, I make a search on google, if I click on 'Search Tools' I can see the name of my city checked. How can I disable this tracking location on firefox.

I already tried geo.enabled set to false, but this doesn't work.

Thanks in advance.

[JayhawksRock]

Use the Google settings if you are using the Google.com page

[patrickjdempsey]

Well first off... if you aren't a logged-in Google Services user, and you delete your cookies regularly, then it's not "tracking". If you are a member of Google Services, then they are definitely tracking you and there's really nothing you can do about that except stop using Google services.

Secondly, basic Google Search just uses your IP address to find your location. *Every* website you connect to can trace your IP address. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IP_address The common way around this is to use a Proxy website connection... but these often have slow connections and are often operated illegally and can be used to steal your personal data.

Third, "geo.enabled" controls a feature called GeoLocation, which uses Google Maps/Street View data to calculate the position of your router. This feature is opt-in on all browsers... meaning it shows a popup asking you if you want to give out your information. It's also slow, difficult to implement seemlessly (because of the popup), and often extremely inaccurate. Therefore, it's really not commonly used at all. Mobile devices use a version of it that actually uses the "GPS" features of the phone itself instead of Google Maps' GeoLocation.

[rsx11m]

Moving to MZ Tech given that it's a rather general issue not directly related to Firefox.

[Omega X]

Well first off... if you aren't a logged-in Google Services user, and you delete your cookies regularly, then it's not "tracking". If you are a member of Google Services, then they are definitely tracking you and there's really nothing you can do about that except stop using Google services.

Secondly, basic Google Search just uses your IP address to find your location. *Every* website you connect to can trace your IP address. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IP_address The common way around this is to use a Proxy website connection... but these often have slow connections and are often operated illegally and can be used to steal your personal data.

Third, "geo.enabled" controls a feature called GeoLocation, which uses Google Maps/Street View data to calculate the position of your router. This feature is opt-in on all browsers... meaning it shows a popup asking you if you want to give out your information. It's also slow, difficult to implement seemlessly (because of the popup), and often extremely inaccurate. Therefore, it's really not commonly used at all. Mobile devices use a version of it that actually uses the "GPS" features of the phone itself instead of Google Maps' GeoLocation.

The bigger the city, the more likely they can approximate due to ISP route hubs having a location attached. But just wait until ipv6 with everything having its own IP.