Apple Collecting, Sharing iPhone & iPad Users’ Precise Locations
Apple Inc. is now collecting the “precise,” “real-time geographic location” of its users’ iPhones, iPads and computers. In an updated version of its privacy policy, the company added a paragraph noting that once users agree, Apple and unspecified “partners and licensees” may collect and store user location data.
When users attempt to download apps or media from the iTunes store, they are prompted to agree to the new terms and conditions. Until they agree, they cannot download anything through the store.
On Monday, Apple also rolled out its new advertising platform, iAd, for the latest version of its iPhone operating system (iOS 4). The company may well be integrating the location information into its advertising system — for instance, to help local shops sell coupons to users in the neighborhood. The update to the privacy policy did not specify which partners or licensees Apple will share the data with or how long the data will be kept. The only proprietary application it mentioned in relation to the data collection was the “Find My iPhone” app that helps users recover lost phones.
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