A couple of times in the last week I’ve been searching for a specific business or other location in Google, and it will ask me if I want to search near my location (which is my actual location).
How is this possible when I have Proton enabled?
EDIT
I just happened to be searching on Google, and at the bottom of the page it shows my location as being the same as the VPN because it’s getting it from the IP address. So assumedly any other location is coming from my browser’s location services.
VPN only changes your IP address. But IP is not an accurate determinant of location anyway. So it is not the only thing google relies in determining your location. You may have given access to GPS. It may deduce your location from your past activity. etc.
Google may know your old location through cached fingerprints in the cookies or DNS/WebRTC leaks, which can allow them to detect your actual location despite the VPN
delete all your cookies, then don´t use Google, use Duck Duck go and you’ll see the difference.
I use brave and it blocks anything from using my browsers location until I give it permissions. Sometimes sucks because it will move timezones and websites will show me wrong times for stuff.
Sometimes Google can show my VPN locations, but sometimes only shows my physical locations. It happens quite randomly for me. Anyone knows what makes the difference?
It’s from the location history through your Google account, you can disable it somewhere in settings
If you have location services enabled through Microsoft that could be your problem. I know with that being enabled it’s separate from the ip. I believe Google will pull a GPS position over an ip position. Could be totally wrong but that’s what I kinda came to a conclusion on. I had the same issue, reinstalled windows and disabled everything I could and that resolved my issue.
I suggest use “chameleon extension”. It will spoof your geolocation. I think it is best spoof extension. Also, always use mozilla browser.
I think they can tell where you are by your Wi-Fi, and IIRC there’s a setting to turn that off.
My location is given away and i am using incogito mode in chrome, i was creating an account at proton mail with proton vpn running and it gave the website my home country code! How come?
IP Address: While Proton masks your IP address from websites you visit, some services like Google use databases that map IP addresses to general locations. While not precise, these databases can estimate your city or region based on the VPN server’s location.
WebRTC Leaks: Some browsers have vulnerabilities called WebRTC leaks that can reveal your true IP address even when using a VPN. Ensure WebRTC is disabled in your browser settings.
Browser Location Services: Even with a VPN, your browser might access location data through GPS, Wi-Fi networks, or nearby Bluetooth devices. Make sure location services are turned off within your browser settings.
Previous Location Data: Google stores your past location data from previous searches or app usage. Even if you’re currently using a VPN, they might use this historical data to make an educated guess about your current location.
You don’t mention the browser. Some are very leaky. If it is Firefox then take a look at Arkenfox on github. Not for the faint of heart to install and maintain, but it hardens things up a lot.
Have to say though, using google search directly – seriously? Are you logged into a g-account at that time? Lots of better search engines that use the same search-base, g or b but they hide you from them.
Yes, I was guessing my account was giving me away, but wanted other input.
Yes, it really makes it more difficult to remain anonymous when you use these kinds of services.
Yes, I dip and and out of using duckduckgo.
Ah, thank you very much, I’ll check that out.
I assume you know brave is not a private friendly browser right?
Oh damn… that’s sneaky. Although I have Proton on my phone too and GPS isn’t enabled. Don’t know if they can still get an approximate location without that.
Damn… so it’s basically impossible to be truly private?
No, this is on Desktop.