Find my device - Whether you like it or not

I received a mail today from Google (noreply-findmydevice@google.com) notifying me that they would unconditionally enable the Find my device functionality I have been repeatedly marking as unwanted in my Android phone.

The mail goes on to explain this functionality works even when the device is disconnected, by Bluetooth signals (aha, so “turn off Bluetooth” will no longer turn off Bluetooth? Hmmm…)

Of course, the mail hand-waves that only I can know the location of my device. «Google cannot see or use it for other ends». First, should we trust this blanket statement? Second, the fact they don’t do it now… means they won’t ever? Not even if law enforcement requires them to? The devices will be generating this information whether we want it or not, so… it’s just a matter of opening the required window.

Of course, it is a feature many people will appreciate and find useful. And it’s not only for finding lost (or stolen) phones, but the mail also mentions tags can be made available to store in your wallet, bike, keys or whatever. But it should be opt-in. As it is, it seems it’s not even to opt out of it.