Apple Cracking Down on Location Sending Apps

[rgMekanic]

Apple has begun cracking down on apps that share location data with third-parties, by removing the application in question, and informing developers that their app violates two parts of their guidelines. 9to5Mac is reporting that they have seen several cases of Apple cracking down on applications that violate sections 5.1.1 and 5.1.2 of the App Store Review Guidelines, which state:

The app transmits user location data to third parties without explicit consent from the user and for unapproved purposes.

Good stuff. It seems all the recent scandals with Facebook is causing some companies to wake up, at least a little, when it comes to customer privacy.

In the instances we’ve seen, the apps in question don’t do enough to inform users about what happens with their data. In addition to simply asking for permission, Apple appears to want developers to explain what the data is used for and how it is shared. Furthermore, the company is cracking down on instances where the data is used for purposes unrelated to improving the user experience

 

[Biznatch]

Obviously they want to be the only one who has/sells your location data to 3rd parties.....

 

[Zarathustra[H]]

The sad truth is that very any (most?) apps are thinly veiled data collection tools.

I don't see why user location should be any more sacred than any other user data, but it is nice to see Apple taking steps to fix it. I wish Google would to.

Ideally we should get to the point where:

1.) All data sharing opt in

2.) Even if you opt to share data to enable a feature, this shouldn't allow the app maker to keep, see, analyze or sell that data

3.) Any use of user data beyond what is needed for the functionality of the application should require special permission from the user every time it is used, with a full description of exactly how and why it is desired to be used.

4.) Services or features should not be allowed to be withheld in exchange for user data. If you offer an app, service or feature for free, it must be free to all whether they opt in or not.

I believe it is absolutely crucial for society to completely kill off the collection and archiving of peoples data for profit. If that means the social media industry collapses, so be it. It's a small price to pay for sanity.

 

[Nukester]

Apple is a hell of a lot more secure of a system than Android. I'll take whatever security measures I can get!

 

[umeng2002]

Every time I buy a frozen pizza at the grocery store, a few hours later I see an ad for a frozen pizza on my Instagram feed... Mmmmm...

 

[Dead Parrot]

Every time I buy a frozen pizza at the grocery store, a few hours later I see an ad for a frozen pizza on my Instagram feed... Mmmmm...

Try leaving your personalized tracking device at home and pay cash for the pizza and see if you still get the pizza ad. Science!

 

[Zarathustra[H]]

Apple is a hell of a lot more secure of a system than Android. I'll take whatever security measures I can get!

It's a mixed bag.

Apple takes privacy concerns more seriously (or at least gives it more lip service) than Google does, but Apple also has less frequent security patching than Google's premium devices, and is completely opaque when it comes to reports of known exploits and when they are going to address them.

I don't personally feel there is a clear winner right now, though I prefer the Android approach as I can't stand walled gardens.

The only one controlling my user experience should be me!

 

[oldmanbal]

It's only okay for APPLE to collect data of every waking second of your existence, NOT 3rd parties, they must pay apple for that information!