Why people don't talk about Google Maps' privacy issues

I am pretty over these videos of people whining about the amount of data big tech collects while refusing to move to alternatives because "muh convenience".

Normal people: Gladly give google maps access to location data at all times and never think about it

Me: Instinctively worry that on the rare occasions I do use google maps it's somehow identifying me and keeping track of all the locations I look at, so I sometimes look at random places I'm not really interested in just to throw off the algorithms.

But most of the time I prefer osmand.

Because we use OsmAnd

TL;DW?

EDIT: thank you guys for the summaries.

I've been trying to use osmand but it doesnt have public transport capabilities or live updates which is just too much its missing out on to switch for 100% of tasks

I find OSMAnd superior to Google Maps in India, so I use it. Google sometimes screws up my family or friends, and then I step in as the saviour.

Most people into Privacy, either stumbled upon the niche or work(ed) in some IT or related field. Have tried talking to the family, they are in denial or do not care. Or think that using WhatsApp is a wise choice and/or they are immune to ads. Somehow. It's like talking to a goat who has more desire for habit over sense.

I remember playing with Google Now, thinking it 'neat' and then within seconds realizing that in order for it to work optimally meant giving Google everything. It got me to root my phone and removed Goople Play Services and/or different ROMs. Today, I do not use Google for anything or use front-ends with a VPN or if ever really needed, Tor.

Organic maps or OSMAnd. Plus, I find these two better for cycling and hiking, over Gmaps. If you must use Gmaps briefly, then GMaps WV from F-Droid.

what's a good alternative if one's using GMaps mainly for travelling instead of navigation (i.e. looking up nearby restaurants and getting reviews, public transport, attractions and their opening hours, etc.)?

I for one don't talk about it... because I don't use Google Maps. I briefly mention OSM or CityMapper when people send me GoogleMaps links but otherwise better to show than tell IMHO.

Here is an alternative Piped link(s):

https://piped.video/watch?v=P2qOiKA56tI&list=WL&index=1

Piped is a privacy-respecting open-source alternative frontend to YouTube.

I'm open-source; check me out at GitHub.