[blink-dev] Intent to Prototype: Approximate Geolocation

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Alvin Ji

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3:40 PM (2 hours ago) 3:40 PM

to blin...@chromium.org, Alvin Ji, Matt Reynolds, Antonio Sartori, Reilly Grant

Summary

We propose an extension to the Geolocation API that introduces a new option, accuracyMode, to getCurrentPosition() and watchPosition(). This change allows the browser to return either precise or approximate location data based on the user's granular permission setting for the site. This mechanism is designed to resolve the existing privacy/utility conflict by honoring the user's intent to share a low-precision location.

Blink component

Blink>Geolocation

Motivation

The standard Geolocation API currently creates a poor privacy/utility trade-off: many websites need only an approximate location (e.g., for local weather or content localization) but receive high-precision data, posing a significant privacy risk.

While the existing enableHighAccuracy option is intended to indicate the application's preference for accuracy, it is only a non-binding hint and does not provide a mechanism for the user agent (browser) to enforce a specific, low-precision outcome.

To solve this, we propose the Approximate Geolocation. This extension introduces a new option, accuracyMode, to getCurrentPosition() and watchPosition() that provides an explicit mechanism for both site and user control:

It allows sites to explicitly request an approximate location.
Crucially, it enables the browser to reduce precision when a site requests precise location but the user has only granted an "approximate" level of permission.

By introducing this new, privacy-preserving permission state, we aim to enhance user control while satisfying the vast majority of website use cases.

TAG review

https://github.com/w3ctag/design-reviews/issues/1131

Risks

Interoperability and Compatibility

Existing Geolocation API: This feature is an addition to the existing API. Existing calls without the new option will function as they do today.
Browser Positions: