Apple collecting location data from iPhone, iPad: Difference between revisions
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According to new reports, the {{w|iPhone}} and {{w|iPad}} periodically send the location information back to the company. The data is transmitted to a secure database that only it can access, Apple claims. |
According to new reports, the {{w|iPhone}} and {{w|iPad}} periodically send the location information back to the company. The data is transmitted to a secure database that only it can access, Apple claims. |
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No personally identifiable information is transmitted off of your device, and Apple has stated that they are not collecting any identifiable user information. However, privacy advocates are concerned that the file could present a serious risk if it fell into the wrong hands. The file can be used by investigators to identify where your phone, and likely you, have been if they are able to get to the file. |
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The tracking feature was revealed with the {{w|IOS_(Apple)|iOS4}} operating system for iPhones. The secret file reportedly contains a variety of information, including {{w|longitude}} and {{w|latitude}}, cell phone tower identification data, wireless hotspot identification, as well as a timestamp. The update to the operating system was announced with the release of the iPhone 4. Smart phones have long kept track of geo-location data, but this data only became directly accessible to the user with iOS4. |
The tracking feature was revealed with the {{w|IOS_(Apple)|iOS4}} operating system for iPhones. The secret file reportedly contains a variety of information, including {{w|longitude}} and {{w|latitude}}, cell phone tower identification data, wireless hotspot identification, as well as a timestamp. The update to the operating system was announced with the release of the iPhone 4. Smart phones have long kept track of geo-location data, but this data only became directly accessible to the user with iOS4. |
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Revision as of 21:57, 22 April 2011
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Note, only qualified reviewers may do this and publish articles. This right requires experience with Wikinews policies and procedures. To request the right, apply here.
Reviewers, please use Easy Peer Review per these instructions. -Article last amended: Apr 22 at 21:57:13 UTC (history) Please check the talk page history before reviewing. |
Friday, April 22, 2011
Image: Dweider.
Apple's iPhone and iPad are attracting a lot of scrutiny in light of the recent discovery that the devices may be secretly saving personal data about where you have been. Your geographic location is saved on the phone in a discreet file. The file is not encrypted, by default, leaving user data potentially vulnerable. However, users can opt to encrypt the file when they synch their iPhone or iPad with their computer.
According to new reports, the iPhone and iPad periodically send the location information back to the company. The data is transmitted to a secure database that only it can access, Apple claims.
No personally identifiable information is transmitted off of your device, and Apple has stated that they are not collecting any identifiable user information. However, privacy advocates are concerned that the file could present a serious risk if it fell into the wrong hands. The file can be used by investigators to identify where your phone, and likely you, have been if they are able to get to the file.
The tracking feature was revealed with the iOS4 operating system for iPhones. The secret file reportedly contains a variety of information, including longitude and latitude, cell phone tower identification data, wireless hotspot identification, as well as a timestamp. The update to the operating system was announced with the release of the iPhone 4. Smart phones have long kept track of geo-location data, but this data only became directly accessible to the user with iOS4.
There is already an open source software utility designed to display the data that your phone has collected. Therefore anyone with the freely available software can read the data and see where their phone has been. In order to use the utility, one must have physical access to the phone in question, or the computer the phone is synched with.
Bruce Sewell, an attorney for Apple, sent a letter to two US Representatives last year, discussing the company's data collection techniques and policies. The thirteen-page letter states that location information is recorded and sent to Apple every twelve hours, but only if the user enables the device's location settings.
Apple began building a location database of its own when it decided to stop using similar services offered by Google & SkyHook Wireless. Location data is used in social networking applications and call routing, as well as other ways. The data is used both by native Apple apps, and third party apps, which rely on it to deliver a variety of features to their users. Apple relies on the data to enable it's "find my phone" capability offered to those who subscribe to the optional "Mobile Me" services.
In a statement to the Associated Press, Democratic Massachusetts Representative Edward Markey said, "Apple needs to safeguard the personal location information of its users to ensure that an iPhone doesn't become an iTrack."
Such data collection is not unique to Apple. Google's Android operating system uses similar technology to provide location-based services to its users. Google has said that it also uses the data collected to provide accurate traffic data through its "Maps" applications on both Apple and Android devices.
Sources
- Hayley Tsukayama. "The Circuit: iPhone data; AT&T, T-Mobile file with FCC; Samsung fires back at Apple" — Washington Post, April 22, 2011
- Erica Ho. "The Reason Why Apple Collects Location Data from Your iPhone" — Time, April 22, 2011
- Brett Molina. "Report: Apple, Google collecting location data on users" — USA Today, April 22, 2011
- Julia Angwin and Jennifer Valentin-Devries. "Apple, Google Collect User Data" — Wall Street Journal, April 22, 2011
- "iPhone Data Retention Raises Privacy Concerns" — Associated Press, April 21, 2011