LOCATION

Our devices and apps are often using our location, with or without us knowing it. Smartphones can connect to cloud accounts (e.g. Apple ID/Google) or enable location-sharing features for apps such as Find My Phone or Family share/link accounts. We use maps on our smartphones to find our way to a new location or to track when our food will arrive at our doorstep. Other apps may store or capture location information, such as Netflix and Amazon.

When we’re in a relationship, we sometimes share passwords and login IDs to some of these accounts or approve someone to “follow” us, which may allow them to monitor and track your movements. They may show up unexpectedly where you are or tell you they are watching you. They might question you about the places you have visited and why. It is important to ensure your location is private and confidential.

TO SECURE YOUR LOCATION AFTER A BREAKUP, FOLLOW THESE STEPS:

• Turn off location services on your smartphone if not needed. Emergency services will still be able to determine your location if needed.
• Secure your device to ensure there are no linked devices by checking your cloud account or use Apple’s Safety Check. Gather evidence of any suspicious connections before removing them by taking screenshots. Remove or delete any unwanted connections.
• Review “Location Services” within your device settings. If you need to use location services for apps, consider changing the setting to “while using” the app rather than “always.” There is also an option to toggle off “precise location.” This is advised so that only your approximate location is shared, not your exact one.
• Work through your cloud account to review additional features like Find My, Google Maps Timeline, family share/link accounts and again capture any evidence of unknown connected devices or accounts before removal.
• Change passwords on all accounts and review the privacy and security settings to prevent your location being accessed in this way. Consider other ways in which your location may be compromised such as friends and family sharing information, trackers or stalkerware

For more information about location tracking, check out our Tech Safety and Privacy Toolkit

Caution: Please note that if someone else has access to your account, they may be notified of these changes. Some abusers may escalate their violence. Control and coercion may make some of these steps neither possible nor safe. If you have children or other dependents, you might consider going through some of these steps with their technology and accounts as well. To develop a safety plan, visit www.sheltersafe.ca to find a safe, confidential program in your community.