iOS 14 security bug: Google Maps has full access to contacts, cannot be switched off

[Turningaround]

When searching for a street name I my iPhone X (iOS14.1, by now iOS14.2) I saw that google has somehow gained full access to my contacts; they show up just as suggestions above the keyboard (See the image below). When typing 'fake' in the search box within the google maps app, the two fake addresses show up that I only added to my iPhone's contact after I found out about this issue.

• I did not login with a google account in the Google Maps app on my phone
• I do not have any contacts' street addresses stored in google or gmail
• Google maps is initially NOT shown as an "app that requested access to your contacts" under settings > privacy > contacts

When I force Google maps to show up under an "app that requested access to your contacts" (type anything in the Google Maps search field > scroll to the bottom of the suggestions > tap the 'go to settings box' at the bottom), access to contacts is switched off. Switching on and off gain does not change anything.

So it seems Google Maps -without requesting permission- has gained access to all my contacts, and there is no way to stop it. I checked with an older iPhone running on 13.6, there is no issue there.

Is there anyone who can replicate this - or even better, has a solution to stop google maps from accessing my contacts?

 

[C DM]

If these are part of something that comes up above the iOS keyboard, seems like it might be something coming from iOS.

 

[Turningaround]

At first I thought so too, but I am not sure as these suggestions do not pop up above the iOS keyboard in the Apple Maps app.

 

[bransoj]

I dont think thats Google Maps doing it, i think thats the predictive bit on the Keyboard similar to what appears above the keyboard when texting etc to finish sentences quickly for you etc. I have "Predictive" under Keyboard settings turned off and Google Maps doesnt do as per your screenshot for me.

 

[Turningaround]

Thanks bransoj, I tried that. Removed Google Maps, switched off predictive and autocorrect under keyboard settings, reinstalled Google Maps - and I still get the same 'suggestions' right above the keyboard. Switching languages does not help either, unfortunately.

 

[bransoj]

I still think its more an iOS thing than Google Maps accessing thing. I'm on 14.2 with latest Google Maps and its not doing it for me.

 

[Geoglox]

Saw this post and decided to fiddle around in Settings (ios 14.2).

First using Google Maps

If I go to Contacts>Siri&Search and turn everyhing in there off contacts don't appear directly above the keyboard. They don't appear in Google Maps search list whether this setting is on or off.
You can't see it in your screen shot, but if you scroll down the search list there's an option in Google maps to add your Contacts to its searches.

Now Apple Maps

It doesn't matter which settings I turn on/off, my contacts always appear in the Apple Maps search list but don't appear above the keyboard (I can't find a setting to stop this).

Seems to me Google Maps is playing ball and will ask for permission to access Contacts, it's Apple Maps that isn't.

 

[mj_]

As Geoglox noted those aren't keyboard or Google Maps suggestions but Siri suggestions. If Siri has access to your contacts it will display these suggestions as long as the "Learn from this App" setting under Contacts -> Siri & Search is enabled.

 

[CTHarrryH]

Not sure if relevant or ?? When I open Google Maps and click on Search Bar on top - it brings up a screen where 1 of the options is add contacts - Wonder if that was done once and now it has contacts - I don't want to try it to see if I can get rid of it after but....