Apple Testifies on iOS Privacy Issues
Yesterday, Apple VP Bud Tribble joined Google’s Alan Davidson in a U.S. Senate panel on mobile privacy. Prompted largely by the recent controversies surrounding Apple’s purported collection and usage of user data from its mobile iOS platform, Tribble—armed with a formal letter from Apple—testified on the exact details of the company’s iOS location database.
In an effort to further demystify public rumors and accusations engulfing the issue, Tribble reiterated that the iOS location database merely aids Apple devices in locating themselves—not tracking users. Though the severity of the issue was somewhat misconstrued in initial reports, Tribble expanded on Apple’s stance citing last week’s iOS 4.3.3 update. In this instance, simply clarifying the ways in which customer data is collected and used was not adequate for the company. The prompt release of 4.3.3 indicates Apple seeks to allow iOS users a greater breadth of options regarding location data. While the update provided a substantial fix to many legitimate issues, Tribble also reported Apple will make more drastic modifications to the location cache in the next major release of iOS. On this note, Tribble stated:
The local cache is protected with iOS security features, but it is not encrypted. Beginning with the next major release of iOS, the operating system will encrypt any local cache of the hotspot and cell tower location information.
After Tribble’s through testimony on Apple’s take on user privacy, he and Davidson responded to questions on third-party applications’ collection and usage of personal data. Raising the strict and rigorous iTunes app approval policies in defense, Tribble was also quick to mention iOS 4’s built-in safeguard mechanisms to alert users to which 3rd party apps have access to—and have recently accessed—their personal information.
Throughout all of the controversies, statements and rebuttals surrounding the ostensible collection of personal location data, one theme echos: user choice. Location enhanced mobile applications are as much of a luxury as they are a byproduct of the times we live in. Users exchange their location for things like enhanced functionality, location based offers and driving directions. Upon launching a location enhanced app for the first time, users are presented with a splash window requesting permission to use their location. If a user prefers an app not use their location they need only select “Don’t Allow.” Location settings and permissions can be altered at any point from the “Location Services” menu under “Settings.” This menu also details apps that have requested a location within the previous 24 hours.
In many cases, the perceived value of a given location based app merits the use of a user’s current location. For example, the built-in Maps app can pinpoint your exact location if you find yourself lost in a big city. However, it must first be granted permission to use your current location. Likewise, the included Camera—like many 3rd party camera apps—can geo-tag photos for use with iPhoto’s “Places” and other similar services. While savvy iOS users should note which apps they do and do not allow location access, it is important to consider that the vast majority of apps are designed solely to convenience and benefit the end user.
What is your current stance on this ongoing issue? Has Apple’s recents action and yesterday’s testimony swayed your initial opinions? Comment below and let us know!