Google makes privacy-centric changes to Maps, adds new features

Google is now making it evident to the end-users and requires them to "agree to crowdsource" for using detailed navigation features.

Google Maps users are seeing a new prompt that asks permission to crowdsource their navigation data. As you navigate using Google Maps, Google collects several details, such as GPS location, sensor data, and the route you took. This data is used further to make information, including real-time traffic conditions and disruptions, visible to others and help them find the fastest route. 

The map data, like estimated time for travel, was already using the crowdsourced data, but now Google is making it evident to the end-users and requires them to "agree to crowdsource" in order to use that specific feature. Which means you cannot use the ETA, turn-by-turn navigation and other crowdsourced feature unless you contribute towards it.

Google has been vocal about privacy a bit more these days. Since May, Gmail, Photos, and Drive have all displayed in-app banners emphasizing privacy. The prompt in the Google Maps reads, "As you navigate, Google collects details, such as GPS location and the route you took. This data may be used to make information, including real-time traffic conditions and disruptions, visible to others and help them find the fastest route."

Currently, Google Maps shows you the presence of the toll roads, but the app doesn't display the toll prices, which is going to change soon. The prices would be displayed along a driving route before the user selects it. The new changes in the app are currently for the preview users but will be available soon for all the users.