Google's own location timeline also can be used in court, and is updated in near real-time.[1] Practically speaking, I would think that Google's data is even m

Google's own location timeline also can be used in court, and is updated in near real-time.[1] Practically speaking, I would think that Google's data is even more susceptible to be found in court and used in that manner than data held and passed on by smaller, relatively unknown apps that lawyers may not even know are installed on locked phones. You have a good point about there being a larger surface area and more weak points when more than one entity handles data, but I'd also be wary of heavy-handed regulations along that dividing line. I don't think we need to give Google monopoly rights to another big chunk of the ad industry. If a user might prefer an entity other than Google handle certain pieces of their data (maybe they strike a more transparent and rewarding deal than Google), they should have that choice. [1] https://theintercept.com/2015/11/06/how-law-enforcement-can-use-google-timeline-to-track-your-every-move/ https://theintercept.com/2015/11/06/how-law-enforcement-can-...