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Apple Launches All-in-One Web Page With Privacy Labels for Its Own Apps

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Apple today updated its privacy website with a new "Labels" section that brings privacy labels for all of Apple's apps together in one place, making it easier for users to learn about how Apple apps handle their personal data.

apple-privacy-labels-website.jpg

Apple already provided privacy labels for its apps since the feature launched last year, but on individual support pages, so this new "Labels" section makes it easier to view the labels all in one place, and in alphabetical order. Privacy labels are available for Apple's apps across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS, so some apps like GarageBand appear more than once. Apple has also included labels for developer tools like Xcode and even the App Store itself, providing a very comprehensive level of privacy information.

Apple emphasizes that users will not find any data under "Data Used to Track You" for its apps, as Apple does not track users. Apple says it holds itself to a higher standard than it does for all other developers, who will be permitted to track users if they obtain their permission via the App Tracking Transparency framework that will be enforced as of iOS 14.5.

Apple introduced privacy labels on the App Store in December, providing users with a broad overview of the data types an app may collect, and whether the information is used to track them or is linked to their identity or device. These labels appear in App Store listings for third-party apps and downloadable Apple apps like Apple Podcasts, while built-in apps that cannot be removed like Messages have labels on Apple's website.

Apple has required developers to fill out the privacy labels when submitting new apps and app updates to the App Store since early December, but the labels function on an honor system. Apple previously said it "conducts routine and ongoing audits of the information provided" and works with developers to correct any inaccuracies, adding that apps that fail to come into compliance may ultimately face removal from the App Store.

Article Link: Apple Launches All-in-One Web Page With Privacy Labels for Its Own Apps
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2021/03/11/apple-launches-privacy-labels-page/
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How does Search Ads get away with the tracking? They sell ads to third parties based on usage, location and a bunch of other data. Is it because Search Ads is technically "first party" so it doesn't count?
 
I'm still not clear on what these labels actually mean. For example, if it says "Data Used to Track You" and purchases are included, are they tracking purchases made in the particular app or somehow vacuuming up any and all purchases made online? Is there a link or reference that can provide more clarity?
 
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Tofupunch said:
I'm still not clear on what these labels actually mean. For example, if it says "Data Used to Track You" and purchases are included, are they tracking purchases made in the particular app or somehow vacuuming up any and all purchases made online? Is there a link or reference that can provide more clarity?
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If you click on see details, for example under App Store, it will show you exactly what they are collecting. But it doesn't show you anything else. Like for purchases, it just says Purcahse History
 
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mthomas184 said:
If you click on see details, for example under App Store, it will show you exactly what they are collecting. But it doesn't show you anything else. Like for purchases, it just says Purcahse History
Click to expand...
Yeah, that's the part that leaves me scratching my head. I guess I don't really get the context of what they're describing. Although, upon closer inspection it does say under "Data Used to Track You" that "the following data may be used to track you across apps and websites owned by other companies." So I guess it can be a wholesale sucking up of your data, depending of course on the category listed. Crazy.
 
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FightTheFuture said:
What’s Apple going to do with your tracking data? Sell it to Google and Facebook?
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They already sell personalized ads via Search Ads. Few companies buy or sell data, the main issue of privacy is personalized ads created via collected data

Which again, I don't understand why Apple can get away with "not tracking" even when they do the same thing. Being "first party" shouldn't be enough to get away with it
 
Tofupunch said:
Yeah, that's the part that leaves me scratching my head. I guess I don't really get the context of what they're describing. Although, upon closer inspection it does say under "Data Used to Track You" that "the following data may be used to track you across apps and websites owned by other companies." So I guess it can be a wholesale sucking up of your data, depending of course on the category listed. Crazy.
Click to expand...

Yeah true. I wish there was a little more clarity. Like what is: other data types. other user content
 
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Ebarella said:
They already sell personalized ads via Search Ads. Few companies buy or sell data, the main issue of privacy is personalized ads created via collected data

Which again, I don't understand why Apple can get away with "not tracking" even when they do the same thing. Being "first party" shouldn't be enough to get away with it
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interesting conjecture: "They already sell personalized ads via Search Ads". can you send me a link I want to research this a bit
 
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The other companies are so foolish.

1. They assumed Apple wasn't playing fair because if in the same position, THEY wouldn't/aren't playing fair.
2. They allege Apple doesn't have to allow for opt out, yet they DO allow for that, when the phone is set up, when a new OS is introduced, AND at any times in the settings.
3. They used the fact that Apple hadn't completely disclosed all information BEFORE the deadline as proof they weren't going to, when in fact the deadline is there for a reason, and Apple of course would comply with their own rules BEFORE the deadline.

Now these companies have brought court cases that only show their own lack of transparency but can't demonstrate Apple has done anything wrong.

Arguing a monopoly is one thing. Arguing that Apple doesn't play by the same set of rules is laughable.
 
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Ebarella said:
They already sell personalized ads via Search Ads. Few companies buy or sell data, the main issue of privacy is personalized ads created via collected data

Which again, I don't understand why Apple can get away with "not tracking" even when they do the same thing. Being "first party" shouldn't be enough to get away with it
Click to expand...
I though that for search ads developers pay for having their app at the top of the list when someone search for some basic keyword. Not that they track you in order to promote apps???? I might be wrong, that’s why I’m asking
 
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