Apple Responds to Lawmakers Over Privacy Concerns

Apple has responded to a congressional inquiry by Reps. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Joe Barton (R-Texas) regarding its privacy policies.

The two representatives contacted Apple after an update to its privacy policy on June 21st caused customer concern.

"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."


As requested, Apple answered by July 12. The full text of their response is embedded below.

Notably, if customers do not agree to the privacy policy they will not be able to setup an iTunes account. If they do not wish to share their location data they can opt out by turning off location-based services on their device; however, Apple says location data is kept anonymous.

"When a customer's device sends Wi-Fi, cell tower, GPS, or diagnostic location information to Apple, it does not include any information identifying the particular device or user."

In the case of iAd, Apple's new iOS-based advertising program, a user's latitude and longitude coordinates are collected anonymously and immediately converted to a five-digit ZIP code. The lat/long info is not retained, and the iAd server does not match ZIP code info with a particular device or user, according to Apple. Advertisers never see the ZIP code info. Apple does keep it for six months "to administer and improve the iAd network." After six months the company aggregates the info "for administrative purposes."


You can learn more about Apple's privacy and location practices by reading the document below...