The Apple Core

Jason D. O'Grady & David Morgenstern

Apple collecting iPhone/iPad users real-time location (updated 2x)

By Jason D. O'Grady | June 22, 2010, 8:55am PDT

Summary: Apple is now collecting the precise, real-time geographic location of its users’ iPhones, iPads and computers. But it’s no different that what Android does.

The L.A. Times reports that Apple is now collecting the “precise,” “real-time geographic location” of its users’ iPhones, iPads and computers.

The new data Apple is collecting is disclosed in an updated version of its privacy policy where it added a paragraph noting that once users agree, Apple and unspecified “partners and licensees” may collect and store user location data.

Here’s the smoking gun:

To provide location-based services on Apple products, Apple and our partners and licensees may collect, use, and share precise location data, including the real-time geographic location of your Apple computer or device. This location data is collected anonymously in a form that does not personally identify you and is used by Apple and our partners and licensees to provide and improve location-based products and services. For example, we may share geographic location with application providers when you opt in to their location services.

Some location-based services offered by Apple, such as the MobileMe “Find My iPhone” feature, require your personal information for the feature to work.

ZDNet’s Larry Dignan notes (via CNet News’ Erica Ogg) that it’s not unlike the Android privacy policy:

What may be a bit jarring to folks is that Apple is now into advertising and services so the location-based services and data sharing may be a bit of a switch. For instance, a user expects Google to harness location data. Apple may not be viewed in that respect yet. Alternatively, the early reaction to Apple’s privacy policy changes is overblown.

Those concerned with this type of data collection can simply turn off GPS services, but if you like those, it comes with the territory, unfortunately.

One option however is to opt-out of Apple’s new iAd service by going to http://oo.apple.com from your iOS 4 mobile device. You’ll see a message that says “You have successfully opted out” once you’ve opted out of interest-based ads.

Update: Opting out via the link above didn’t work on two iPhone 3GS’ that I tried. The error (pictured) states that “This device is not running iOS 4″ despite that fact that both are. How about you?

Update 2: Apple has added a new “Location Services” page in iOS 4 (Settings > General) that allows users to prevent apps from using location data. However, it’s unclear whether switching the sliders to Off prevents Apple itself from gathering and storing location data.

So, is Apple now the boogey-man, or is privacy a thing of the past in the era of always-on GPS-enabled communicators?

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Topics

Risk, Apple Inc., Strategy, Security, Management, Jason D. O'Grady

Jason O'Grady is a journalist and author specializing in mobile technology. He has published six books on Apple and mobile gadgets and his PowerPage blog has been publishing for over 15 years.

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It sounds like a stalker's wet dream

Wait until a woman is raped or killed because the data was hacked...

We've all seen how concerned Apple is about security. If Android does it too then a pox on both their houses.
wolf_z
22nd Jun 2010
- Reply to
- Flagged
Rape is a crime of power and opportunity and...

@wolf_z... often an acquaintance. A rapist isn't likely to track down someone using GPS data, needle in a haystack. Perhaps crazy ex-boyfriend/spouse who previously had access to the phone, but not through a sophisticated hack.

And according to the disclosure, it would more likely mean that the advertising platform would say "oh you are here, and this advertiser is 3 blocks from your location, here is their ad.

And as indicated, it is able to be opted out, well provided they get that to work, as evidence by the fail attempt above. However that would provide no protection from the crazy ex
Snooki_smoosh_smoosh
22nd Jun 2010
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- Flag
You're not cynical enough

@JM1981

Gain access to the data and you know where the person is. Given today's youth loves Facebook (another site with the security of a mosquito net) and you have *pictures*.

Not to mention all types of personal info. Oh, and what about Four Square? Put it all together and you can pretty much know everything about your intended target--and not leave any traces.

*SCARY* stuff.

Of course I'm a cynic but hey...

UPDATE: Here's a perfect example of what I was talking about:

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/06/22/malware_extortion_charges/

This guy forced over 200 women, some of them juveniles, to produce porn videos for him lest he reveal pics found on their computers via his malware breakins.

When you consider most sexual predators (and this guy definitely qualifies!) *escalate*...

Now, do I have a valid concern or not?
wolf_z
23rd Jun 2010
- Flag
***Android phones did it from very beginning***

@wolf_z: too late to be "amused" or "outraged" about it.
DeRSSS
22nd Jun 2010
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- Flag
My Android tells me so every time I turn on GPS.

Mine, and I think all, Andriod phones display a warning stating that its GPS is a 2-way communication media whenever GPS is turned on. Its the reason there is no one-touch toggle app for GPS. My Xperia has a separate 'Assisted GPS' option. When turned on, Assisted GPS states 'Location data may be collected', so I don't use it. I don't tend to get lost going to work and back, so I seldom turn on GPS, except at the golf course.
It seems iOS 4 has warnings, so its on the user.
anothercanuck
22nd Jun 2010
- Flag
RE: Apple collecting iPhone/iPad users real-time location (updated)

Dude really? First you said, "But it?s no different that what Android does." Then you say, "So, is Apple now the boogey-man..." How is Apple the only boogieman when you just said Google does it to? Or are you saying Google was the boogeyman and now Apple is the willing accomplice? You're supposed to be a journalist, be clear.
mrgoodall
22nd Jun 2010
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- Flag
Compare (with my comments)

Lawyer tricks, Apple's wording means they get your location regardless and can use it for anything, the example usage does not limit the permission they obtain. Google's does not, yet a cursory reading doesn't tell you that because they loaded it with non binding examples.

$$$$$$$$$$$$$Apple:
Location-Based Services - To provide location-based services on Apple products [note this does not limit the use of the permission], Apple and our partners and licensees [i.e. a right to share the data outside Apple] may collect, use, and share precise location data, including the real-time geographic location of your Apple computer or device [unlimited clause]. This location data is collected anonymously in a form that does not personally identify you [rubbish] and is used by Apple and our partners and licensees to provide and improve location-based products and services [i.e. anything that we want GPS for]. For example, we may share geographic location with application providers when you opt in to their location services. [For example, under this wording we can sell your data to anyone for any reason even if you do not use location based services, even if it is not beneficial to you in any way, even if you opt out of iAds]

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$Google:
Location data ? Google offers location-enabled services, such as Google Maps for mobile. IF YOU USE THOSE SERVICES, [i.e. don't use, no data sent] Google may receive information about your actual location (such as GPS signals sent by a mobile device) or information that can be used to approximate a location (such as a cell ID).

Information sharing

Google only shares personal information with other companies or individuals outside of Google in the following limited circumstances:

* WE HAVE YOUR CONSENT. [Specific requirement to seek consent] We require opt-in consent [Specific requirement for the consent to be opt in] for the sharing of any sensitive personal information [BAD, 'sensitive' is subjective].
* We provide such information to our subsidiaries, affiliated companies or other trusted businesses or persons for the purpose of processing personal information on our behalf. We require that these parties agree to process such information based on our instructions and in compliance with this Privacy Policy and any other appropriate confidentiality and security measures.
[+ the law requires it clause]

So the only thing bad in the Google EULA is the 'sensitive' data, whereas the Apple EULA is flat out bad.
guihombre
22nd Jun 2010
- Reply to
- Flagged
I love how you try to express opinion as fact...

@guihombre ... to the point that you invalidate your entire argument. Let me ask you this: Why should Apple want to collect that data when you are not using anything that requires that data? Do you think Apple is a governmental agency that's trying to keep tabs on hundreds of millions of people simultaneously? Do you realize how difficult such a feat is, even in todays information society? Truly, if Apple is capable of maintaining such a massive database on a real-time basis, you simply KNOW the many world governments would want a piece of that action.
vulpine@...
22nd Jun 2010
- Flag
forceme

I recently made an appointment at the SO CALLED "GENIUS BAR" in the Apple Store because the Apple Mail Client on my MacBook Pro refused to send mail from wireless networks at hotels when I travel, even if there was not a firewall present. The so called" Genius" apple employee proceeded to delete my mail settings and my mail server settings, at which point, it became apparent that he did not know what he was doing. I told him to stop deleting everything until he could explain what he was doing. He then told me that Apple allows only 15 minutes for each repair and that time had expired and that I should "Have a nice day" Not only was this person poorly trained, he did not like the suggestion that he didn't know how to fix the problem, which he couldn't do.

The is it that Apple gets away with calling low paid retail employees "geniuses?" I have had it with the arrogance and incompetence that comes with Apple's (lack of) customer support. These post-pubesent computer science drop outs who could not get an actual job in a computer company are trained to be arrogant and to invalidate your warranty. You can expect them to tell you to reinstall everything which makes the defective computer or buggy software YOUR PROBLEM or to simply by a new computer as yours is out of warranty.

While sitting at the so called "Genius Bar", I saw two people come in with broken iphones. They were told that the problem was not covered by warranty and that Apple would happily sell them a refurbished, older generation iphone at the same price as a new one costs.

It turns out that Apple has known about the inability of Apple Mail to send mail from hotels and other locations as their are bugs in the ourbound mail server management of Apple mail. Another Apple employee believes it is a source code probelm but said that Apple support employees are not allowed to work on source code problems (Its probably beyond most of them). Turns out that thousands of people can not send mail and have posted the problem across the user support forums but apple as FAILED TO FIX these MAJOR BUGS as their engineers are too busy designing new ipads and iphone antennas. (You don't expect your new phone to make phone calls now, do you?)

All of the technology and finance journals love to report on Apple's new products but they never check back to see if these products actually work. Apple repeatedly FAILS TO FIX THEIR OWN BUGS. Apple will not even take responsibility for their own bugs. Steve Jobs is one helluva shepherd. When are apple's customers going to stop acting like sheep?
forceme
16th Dec 2010
- Flag
@Why should Apple want to collect that data

Profit.
guihombre
22nd Jun 2010
- Reply to
- Flag
RE: Apple collecting iPhone/iPad users real-time location (updated)

Sounds like the writer needs to fully research what he's doing with his iPhone before he posts. He's updating about features after he found them and these location features arn't new. These are on my 2G 1st Gen with 3.0 FW.
djzoey
22nd Jun 2010
- Reply to
- Flag
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zaodianshuile
22nd Jun 2010
- Reply to
- Flagged
Well if they are going to do this

Let's hope they do right by their customers and use it to improve their AT&T service and not use it for petty advertisements.
Michael Kelly
22nd Jun 2010
- Reply to
- Flag
RE: Apple collecting iPhone/iPad users real-time location (updated)

So is this really much different than Google going around and capturing data while they were filming for Google Views? Nope.
Gis Bun
22nd Jun 2010
- Reply to
- Flag