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Apple Lays Out Location Collection Policies
itwbennett writes "In a 13-page reply (PDF) to questions from Congressmen Ed Markey of Massachusetts and Joe Barton of Texas, Apple said iPhones running OS 3.2 or iOS 4 collect GPS data and encrypt it before sending it back to Apple every 12 hours via Wi-Fi. Attached to the GPS data is a random identification number generated by the phone every 24 hours. The information is not associated with a particular customer and Apple uses the data to analyze traffic patterns and density, it said. Apple collects such data from customers who have approved the use of location-based capabilities on the phone and who actually use an application that requires GPS."
Seriously?!? Traffic patterns and density? Apple has no legitimate business interest in such data. But they say they aren't selling it. So, what -- they're using it to position new Apple stores? I'm glad I got rid of my iPhone! Sheesh!
When you install an Android app it says very clearly "Access your location data". It is not buried in legalese. You really cannot compare a screen that contains a handful of bullet points to a EULA, they aren't even in the same league.
Yes, but it's NOT buried. There is a config screen where you can turn "Location Services" on and OFF on an app-by-app basis, or even GLOBALLY, WHENEVER YOU CHOOSE (not just at "install" time. And, you notice it says "APPROXIMATE location."?
Seems like Apple has made it so the USER is in control ALWAYS, instead of JUST when they are in a hurry to use teh new shiny app they just downloaded. Because, let's face it, most people will click through ANYTHING to get to the thing they want. And be honest, do you REALLY remember all the various permissions you gave EVERY app when you installed it?
Next time, try READING before posting. Apple actually did it right. Android, not so much.
Yeah because EVERYONE reads a EULA with 12 pages of lawyerspeak as opposed to a pop-up that has but ONE THING TO COMMUNICATE.
Actually, they don't have to. If at ANYTIME an iPhone user wants Hir location not to be known, S/he can TURN LOCATION SERVICES OFF (or on), on an app-by-app basis, or even globally.
Visiting that brothel? TURN OFF LOCATION SERVICES. Then turn it back on later to find that Sushi restaurant. Then turn it back off again. On. Off. On. Off. YOUR choice. At ANY time.
Apple has actually made this whole argument moot.
Don't like it? TURN IT THE FUCK OFF!!!
Now what's your argument?
BTW, did you notice that it says APPROXIMATE location? This stuff simply isn't that accurate anyway, period.
What's your credit card number? Don't worry, I won't charge anything. Who has the time? I just want to have it, you know, just in case I might need it. And I'd like to share it with my partners and affiliates. In they, you know, might need it too.
Prove that ANY of that IS happening, or STFU. And, BTW, if you check ANYBODY's "Privacy Policy", you will find the exact same language. That's just life in the information age.
Sometimes I hate computers, too.
Android asks permission for any location data to be collected system-wide very clearly when the phone first sets itself up. They always have. It's very clear and easy to understand, and it's opt-in. This is very different than the system-wide opt-out Apple gives you.
Are you stoned, or just stupid?
Which part of "You can turn Location Services ON AND OFF at ANYTIME, on an APP-BY-APP basis OR GLOBALLY" don't you understand?
Isn't this a MUCH better way than Android's "when the phone first sets itself up", or "when the app is installed"?
Face it, YOU as the Apple user have a CHOICE. ON or OFF. Apple put the ball in your hands. The same argument that all the Android users used to defend the "Fifth of Android Apps Expose Private Data".
Can't have it both ways. Either it's a personal choice, or not. Same argument applies in either case.
Apple tries to fool you that the data is anonymous when it's not. And do you have a choice to not get iAds?
First, PROVE it's not anonymous.
Second, you have all the choice in the world not to get iAds. Don't download (or when discovered) DELETE those who have in-app ads. Or, here's a thought: SIMPLY DON'T CLICK ON THE AD!
Adults vote with their feet. If enough people reject apps with iAds, or there aren't enough "clickthroughs" to support the infrastructure, then the whole idea will eventually fail.
You see, you DO have a choice. And if you DID understand what Jobs said about iAds in the WWDC Keynote, you'd know that what you say is BULLSHIT.
JEEBUS FUCKING CHRIST ON A SEGWAY! Don't you even understand CHOICE?!?
As Devo said "Freedom of Choice; That's what you've got; Freedom FROM Choice; That's what you want."
Apple gives you the CHOICE to expose yourself. Or not. Sorry you can't deal with that concept.
How do you disable cell phone triangulation? And do you never use Wi-fi on your iPhone?
Read the PDF, top of page 12: "Anonymous Wi-Fi Access Point information and GPS co-ordinates may also be collected when an iPhone is using GPS to search for a cellular network.".
Are you fucking SERIOUS?!?
So, you're REALLY going to argue that that data is ANYWHERE NEAR accurate enough to PINPOINT where you are?!?
You're simply looking for something to "hate" on, aren't you?
As someone else mentioned, Google Android asks you first; "Allow Google's location service to collect anonymous location data. Collection will occur even when no applications are running. Agree/Disagree".
That's a bit clearer than hiding it in the terms and conditions.
From the Apple Tech Support document "Understanding Location Services":
Location warnings are the requests made by applications (such as Camera, Compass, and Maps as well as location-dependent third-party apps) to use Location Services with those applications. An application will present a location warning the first time it needs to access Location Services data. Tapping OK will give that app permission to use Location Services as needed. Tapping Don't Allow will prevent an app from accessing Location Services data from then on.
Shall I draw you a PICTURE?!?
And that's in ADDITION to allowing the FREEDOM to turn the Location Services ON AND OFF AT WILL.
Unlike Android, where you get to choose ONCE, at INSTALL time.
Note that the "Location Services" config pane also shows exactly WHICH apps have requested your location within the past 24 hours. No pawing through log files. There it is, for any user that CARES.
So NOW what? Got any more gripes, or are you just looking for something to hate?