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Apple’s Privacy Policy – Not so Private

January 19, 2023

Historically, Apple remains silent, especially where controversy is involved. The latest news revolves around Apple’s privacy policy and what actually happens with your data. Last November, Gizmodo reported that Apple collects data about you and your device even when you turn off the iPhone Analytics setting. Two developers and security researchers at software company, Mysk, discovered Apple’s data collection actions.

“The App Store appeared to harvest information about every single thing you did in real time, including what you tapped on, which apps you search for, what ads you saw, and how long you looked at a given app and how you found it. The app sent details about you and your device as well, including ID numbers, what kind of phone you’re using, your screen resolution, your keyboard languages, how you’re connected to the internet—notably, the kind of information commonly used for device fingerprinting.”

The discovery has prompted several class action lawsuits. Gizmodo reports that there are now three legal actions concerning the data collection with the latest being in New York. The attorney suing Apple in New York, Paul Whalen, says this case does not involve unintentional errors. “In this case, with Apple, there doesn’t appear to be a mistake. Apple knowingly promised one thing and did exactly the opposite. That is what makes this case feel so very different.”

I guess we will have to wait for the courts to determine what’s what.

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