Why do Networks require Location enabled and Location Permission?

If you are using a device that is running Android 8.1 or higher, you will need to enable your Location and give the app Location Permission if you wish to use Networks.  Prior to Android 8.1, this was not a requirement.

This behavior change comes from a new restriction introduced by Google to all Android phones.  You can read more about it here. Essentially, Google now considers your current WIFI network SSID as sensitive location information.  We cannot read what WIFI network SSID you are currently connected to without Location being enabled and with Location Permission.

iPhones will also require Location Permission to utilize Networks. This is an Apple privacy mandate, similar to Beacons, as Apple believes you can technically understand the user's location based on the network they are connected to.