Location-based services in smartphones have become an issue for many users who feel their privacy is being compromised. For instance, Windows 7 Phone user Rebecca Cousineau is suing Microsoft after finding that camera software on the smartphone tracks a user's location even after the user requests that it be turned off. 

According to Google's European Public Policy Blog, using Google's location-based service can be useful in such instances as allowing public transit authorities to show a user when a bus is arriving at a nearby stop, if needed. 

But several European data protection authorities requested that Google develop an opt-out service for those who do not want to participate in the location-based service. 

Google has agreed to build the opt-out service, which will be available globally later this Fall. Once a user is opted-out, Google's services will no longer use that access point to determine a location.

Google recently faced criticism for its Google Maps for Mobile, which helps users find themselves on a map and locate their destination. But now, the tech giant is offering a Wi-Fi opt-out for its location-based services.

There are several different ways to estimate a user's location, such as GPS and cell towers. But GPS isn't always available, and cell towers are not very accurate. To help pinpoint a user's location more accurately, Google uses publicly broadcast Wi-Fi data from wireless access points. This allows smartphones to fix their location at a faster rate without eating up the phone's battery power.