Senator Sends Letter to Apple Complaining about iPhone/iPad Location Logging
Researchers reported that Apple iOS4 operating system secretly logs unencrypted location data for iPhones, iPads, and those computers on which the devices synch to iTunes. Apparently the data resides on these devices only, so the largest problem will occur if the devices are lost, stolen, or hacked into. As a result of this revelation Senator Al Franken sent Steve Jobs a letter in which he raised a number of questions including:
Why does Apple collect and compile this location data?
How is this data generated (GPS, cell tower triangulation, WiFi triangulation, etc.)
Why is this data not encrypted?
Does Apple believe that this conduct is permissible under the terms of its privacy policy?
We all know that cell phone contain GPS devices so our location hardly a secret, and Google even uses GPS movement to help display Traffic on Google Maps. However Apple’s collection of this data creates a new level of public awareness.
What do you think?
Apparently users have explicitly consented to all that Apple is doing, by the iTunes and iOS terms of use. Perhaps people don't read these terms, or have no practical way of objecting to them if they want an iPhone or iPad.
Certainly raises interesting policy issues.
>>>>>THANKS PHILIP
Philip makes an excellent point...few people bother to read terms of service and privacy policies.
Peter
I don't think Apple has replied yet to Senator Franken's questions. I hope it will. Even if the tracking action was allowable under Apple's Terms of Use (which most folks don't read and many can't understand), what Apple has done (and probably continues to do) is ethically questionable. It strikes me as creepy. Apple (and others) should tell users the truth and let users decide if the tracking and storing is acceptable. It's deceptive to have a feature that obstensively allows the user to turn off the feature--but doesn't really. I'm glad this research, which has been around awhile unnoticed, has brought the matter to light. Privacy is worth considering thoughtfully.
>>>>>RENEE - THANKS FOR THE COMMENT
Renee makes some excellent points,
Peter