Google knows my address

Beverly Level X³

December 5, 2013, 12:02 am

14

Write the reason you're deleting this FAQ

Today i did a search for the online Staples site (computers/software/office supplies). And, the first listing up was for the official online Staples store. But also in the sub-listings was the exact address of the Staples store which is just down the road. Felt kind of weird how Google would just know where my local store should be. I don't remember including my zipcode on anything Google related. I know they have ways of knowing a user's geographical location but it's just creepy when they do that.

Comments

Please login or sign up to leave a comment

Join

tangee

tangee

This is odd that they would be able to find this information if you have never given it. Creepy in a way.

13 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

Beverly

Beverly

This is odd that they would be able to find this information if you have never given it. Creepy in a way.

Google is getting really good about pinpointing people's locations. They say this helps provide better services. But there are so many people who will feel it's an invasion of privacy. Now that it's happened once, I can get used to the idea of Google knowing where I am, so that's not a problem. But that first time, was really shocking.

13 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

barry

barry

To me it feels like they are really creeping on me. I am not so sure that I like it.

13 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

Vivadh

Vivadh

Most probably the application or the website where you create the ad has the system to detect your location and they must have taken your concern to do so in their setting, privacy policy or ToS. Try to find that in settings and remove that option .. I think it will help.. :-)

13 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

Daniella

Daniella

Geo-tracking is very common with most online sites as they are able to provide you with personalized search results related to your local area. Be thankful Google cares enough to take these extra steps to cater to your needs, rather than viewing it as an intrusion.

13 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

Jolie

Jolie

Google doesn't sell this information to third parties, but only uses knowledge of your location to help better serve ads related to things you might want to see. They have a vested interest in ensuring that you are happy with what is shown and try to tailor content to your own personal location and needs.

13 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

mandy

mandy

Google is getting really good about pinpointing people's locations. They say this helps provide better services. But there are so many people who will feel it's an invasion of privacy. Now that it's happened once, I can get used to the idea of Google knowing where I am, so that's not a problem. But that first time, was really shocking.

Yes it is shocking. But in todays technology we have to be prepared that any site we are on will store info about us and it is not surprising in the least that google does know your address.

13 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

Theadora

Theadora

Of course, Google or any site has option to access your address that can be accessed from the IP address.. your IP address is known by Google or other site..

Simply you have a site and you are using StatCounter or Google Analytic, you are able to know your visitor's IP address, the IP address can give you address of the user but it is legal matter.

13 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

Beverly

Beverly

Of course, Google or any site has option to access your address that can be accessed from the IP address.. your IP address is known by Google or other site..

Simply you have a site and you are using StatCounter or Google Analytic, you are able to know your visitor's IP address, the IP address can give you address of the user but it is legal matter.

I was just a little surprised that first time it happened. Since then, I'm liking this new thing where Google can point out nearby stores so that i can buy what I want locally, not just online. Technology and innovation are a good thing and we can't be afraid to embrace them.

13 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

ralph101

ralph101

Walmart does this for me. They have my store. But I also had to enter which location I wanted my store to be when I previously visited the page. Have you ever been to the staples site before?

13 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

Samalan

Samalan

This has happened quite a lot of times for me, I think of it more as a convenience but it can also be scary at first.

13 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

twilight

twilight

I agree with Samalan that it is pretty scary at first but I think that it is ok because you should be pretty safe. Maybe they just sense where your IP is coming from?

13 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

Minolta

Minolta

Google might be technically spying on you, but if they are helping you in the process and not using the information to harm you, then it works out for your good.

13 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

lancer

lancer

I don't think Google needs you to enter your ZIP code to shows local ads!Advertisers optimize their ads for local customers and Google just need to use build in location feature in web browser to show results according to your country!

And the bad news, it is not a Google case; the whole web work like that. Your IP simply is enough to detect your location!

13 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?