This is a carrier in the USA (T-Mobile).
I did a quick search for the other 2 carriers using the term â[Carrier Name] Family Trackingâ and Verizon and AT&T also seems to have it.
And according to https://www.t-mobile.com/support/plans-features/t-mobile-familywhere-app, it says:
FamilyWhere uses geolocation data from the T-Mobile network and is not affected by changes to device location settings.
So it appears that its using cell tower triangulation. Turning on Airplane Mode should stop it (assuming there isnât a separate tracking app on your phone)
Oh Wow, What a wonderful tool for abusive spouses and abusive parents. And telecom companies are making money off of it. đ
TLDR: Its a good idea to get your own separate cellular plan.
Oh, the other replies didnât load for me at first. Thereâs also this:
Well, Iâm sorry you guys are fighting about this. However, it has been my experience that if you donât want him tracking you itâs because youâre going or doing something that makes him uncomfortable or there has been shadiness in the past. My question is why do you care if he knows where you are? If youâre not hiding anything or going against the boundaries set forth in your relationship what does it matter if he knows where you are? Yes i believe that by turning on your location and giving full access you will help with the location that it will show. It is not about being treated like a child but maybe more so of a safety or security reason. I promise you if you give into it and simply answer his questions without attitude and get him to understand that itâs not always accurate things will be better. When youâre in the car together have it on so he can see how accurate it is and maybe thatâll get him to realise how the system works. I promise you if you give into it for a little while heâll not want to check it as much and will get bored and trust more. The arguing about it makes it look sketchy and there wonât be trust, which sounds like what you guys need. I am speaking from experience.
If youâre not hiding anything or going against the boundaries set forth in your relationship what does it matter if he knows where you are?
Ugh, that one bugs me so much. The boundaries are that the wife doesnât want to be tracked. By using this service at all, the husband is violating that boundary. That, and the âyou have nothing to hideâ mentality. Such a flawed mentality.
My wife and I use Life360 (yes Iâm aware of what they do with data, currently trying to find an alternative), because I ride motorcycles and want my wife to know that I got to my destination safely, and she just likes sharing her location with me. Our kids have Pinwheel-managed smartphones, and even they know that I can see where they are at all times; it was a stipulation of them having smartphones in the first place.
Itâs amazing what consent brings to the table.