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Apple Updates Privacy Policy to Disclose Real-Time Location Tracking of Devices
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as long as its anonymous i don't care, but if they tell the goverment or 3rd party my NAME and my location im pissed.
And not saying you should trust any company or government but if its between apple and google collecting data i pick apple every time.
And not saying you should trust any company or government but if its between apple and google collecting data i pick apple every time.
Then you can't have a cell phone at all, because they all are required to provide location data via the E911 service, and even without that, any active cellular phone can be approximately located to less than a typical city block simply by polling the towers.
Turn off location services. If you don't trust that that will do it, it'll be interesting to see what competing product you hand that information over to instead. Even Android's transparency has its limits.
Frankly, if you're reduced to the point where you don't trust disclosures, there's little point in buying any device with wired or wireless communication capabilities, cameras, or microphones of any kind. Having privacy concerns is one thing, but when you buy a product with location services as a feature, and you turn on location services, it's going to report your location to provide those services. There's nothing suspicious or surprising about that, nor about the fact that the privacy disclosure tells you that's what they're doing.
It comes down to self-important narcisists thinking that anybody actually gives a **** about them.
autrefois
macrumors 65816
That's not true. I wish this thread could have just ended with matticus008's post. Location-based information is collected when individuals turn location-based services ON. If they're off, no information is collected.
So I'll say it again in another way - if a pop-up on your iPad/iPhone/iPod touch comes up and asks "Application xxx would like to use your current location" click DON'T ALLOW. Otherwise, it's your own damn fault if they collect location-based information. It isn't that difficult of a concept.
I'm on a free two month trial of mobile me. I was going to buy it for the find my phone feature. But now I'm not because that feature requires leaving gps on - something I won't do now due to this new policy.
It almost sounds like this could just be covering the obvious cases we already knew about: location sharing for specific apps (which has always been opt-in) and Find My iPhone.
But if it leaves it open to do more, Ill be opting out on principle!
(Of course, if you dont trust Apple with your data, then how you can you trust the opt-out? Better to only buy devices with no GPS or network. So I figure you kind of have to trust the OS maker up to a point. But that doesnt mean I trust every employee that will ever have access to my records! Complete privacy is impossible without giving up the Internet entirely.... but Id rather expose less data than more.)
But if it leaves it open to do more, Ill be opting out on principle!
(Of course, if you dont trust Apple with your data, then how you can you trust the opt-out? Better to only buy devices with no GPS or network. So I figure you kind of have to trust the OS maker up to a point. But that doesnt mean I trust every employee that will ever have access to my records! Complete privacy is impossible without giving up the Internet entirely.... but Id rather expose less data than more.)
Paranoid Much?
I know I shouldn't even be responding, but...
Why are you so paranoid about Apple collecting information regarding your location even though you can 1) Opt-out of any cookie-collection by visiting http://oo.apple.com after iAds is implemented and 2) Click Don't Allow in any application that asks for your current location?
Just to feed your paranoia, I know you live in San Diego, CA. I'm sure that Apple knows this too, and is probably hunting you down right now.
I know I shouldn't even be responding, but...
Why are you so paranoid about Apple collecting information regarding your location even though you can 1) Opt-out of any cookie-collection by visiting http://oo.apple.com after iAds is implemented and 2) Click Don't Allow in any application that asks for your current location?
Just to feed your paranoia, I know you live in San Diego, CA. I'm sure that Apple knows this too, and is probably hunting you down right now.
Anonymous data that indicates a hit coming in from a specific location is not news nor much of a privacy concern.
Okay, 1, why should I help you sell me anything? Are you going to offer me special savings? Are you going to pay me? No, this is only revenue for apple and program developers. I am not in the position where I need to be told what to buy. If you need people/corporations to tell you what to buy, then you have too much money.
2, more effective advertising means more advertising dollars. If advertisers feel that iAds are successful, then that means a lot more advertising. More advertising means a less productive and enjoyable iOS experience.
Opt-out: it's not paranoid, it's rational.
M@
PS If you turn off location services on the iPhone, does it just turn off GPS? That is, can it still find you iPhone1-style (through tower-triangulation or Wi-Fi addressing)?
2, more effective advertising means more advertising dollars. If advertisers feel that iAds are successful, then that means a lot more advertising. More advertising means a less productive and enjoyable iOS experience.
Opt-out: it's not paranoid, it's rational.
M@
PS If you turn off location services on the iPhone, does it just turn off GPS? That is, can it still find you iPhone1-style (through tower-triangulation or Wi-Fi addressing)?
Actually it is fairly irrational.
What you are saying is you would rather pay MORE for everything you buy and use rather than be subjected to advertising. That is not only irrational it is fiscally irresponsible.
You must be the one with all the money if you are willing to pay significantly more for all those things that are subsidized or flat out payed for by advertising money. You must poop gold.
This is similar to the iTunes backdoor that Apple put in where iTunes tries to "phone home" on 192.168.1.1
A ******** of users will probably not know of this "opt-out" setting and transmit. The fact that there was no opt-out originally basically means Apple got caught and had to relent. If no one said anything, they would be collecting data w/o notifying anyone.
A ******** of users will probably not know of this "opt-out" setting and transmit. The fact that there was no opt-out originally basically means Apple got caught and had to relent. If no one said anything, they would be collecting data w/o notifying anyone.
If I turn off Location Services on my iPod touch, I can't be found. My location is no longer being calculated by WiFi network identification. Naturally, my iPod touch has no cellular circuitry for tower triangulation, nor does it have GPS.
do people scrutinize google's policies as in-depth as everyone is scrutinizing apple's policies?
i can't imagine that apple is the first one to come up with this kind of privacy policy. but it appears there is a huge uproar when a company actually admits the type of information-digging that they do.
i can't imagine that apple is the first one to come up with this kind of privacy policy. but it appears there is a huge uproar when a company actually admits the type of information-digging that they do.
Apple is an example of hypocrytis. They complain about the data that was collected before that was only down to city level and this is even more exact and in real time.
Does not seem right to me. I trust google a lot more than apple.
Does not seem right to me. I trust google a lot more than apple.
It's fine, I just don't want the feature on my computer tracking my computer's locale. Phone yes, computer no. As long as Apple stays out of my Macbook like that, I am cool.
If that happens, I'm switching brands.
autrefois
macrumors 65816
What some people don't understand is that the problem is not that Apple, AT&T, or others will have access to some data. This can be useful or essential in some circumstances. Few people would object to 911 operators being able to locate you, or Find my iPhone allowing AT&T and/or Apple to help you relocate your phone or do a remote wipe, if you so choose.
The problem is that it is Apple and not us who will be choosing who does or doesn't get our information, with little to no transparency or accountability.
According to the OP:
The new terms appear to give Apple the right to collect and provide data to whomever they want, for whatever reason, for as long as they want, whether or not we know about it, without giving us a right to refuse and without telling us what data will be/were shared. Do people really not see what is wrong with this? The privacy policy only give examples of what location data might be collected or shared. Once I click to let app X use my location data, the policy as it stands appears to allow Apple to give this and related information to essentially anyone they want.
Even if my name isn't clearly attached to a specific piece of data, it is still my data; and it is obviously valuable, otherwise companies wouldn't be falling over themselves and each other trying to squeeze every last ounce of data out of me. I shouldn't have to turn off location services and significantly hamper my experience on my iPhone (which I am paying for both up front and monthly, mind you) just to keep Toyota let's say from getting data detailing my every movement. Just because it's in Apple's TOS or privacy policy doesn't make it okay.
People defending Apple on this are presenting a false dichotomy: either allow Apple to collect and share your data to whomever it wants, or else turn off location services, crawl into a hole and put on a tin foil helmet. Certainly you can see there is middle ground, right? There is absolutely no reason Apple couldn't clearly define who gets access to what data, and/or give users more of a say in the matter. Apple can nitpick App submissions, but they can't nitpick data management?
To people who think we should just trust Apple to do the right thing: Does anyone really think that Apple accidentally left a huge "loophole" in their privacy policy allowing Apple to give access to data to practically anyone they want? As much as I love Apple, I'm not seeing why we should trust a company that gives itself such widespread control over our data; on this one I don't see why they deserve the benefit of the doubt.
Apple changed the terms after millions of people have already pre-ordered or reserved their phones. They are a corporation; their purpose is to make money. So it's not their fault per se, but consumers need to be vigilant and vocal. We should not see the erosion of privacy as inevitable or the required price for having the latest, greatest technology. Consumers should be informed who gets their data before they get them and be able to opt out. For those who don't care who gets what data, there can be an option to allow anyone to have it. It should be an actual option, not a provision buried in a policy that is all but forced onto people who want to actually use the phone. I shouldn't have to choose between not ever using location services, or allowing Apple to give my location to whatever nameless parties it wants.
Enough people apparently complained about the blue progress bar in Safari 4 for Apple to bring it back in Safari 5. Apple does listen to its customers. Hopefully enough people will complain about the new privacy policy to Apple so they will change it.
which part?
Apple is an example of hyprocrites. They "claim" the reason they changed the rules on ads was because of one release infomation about the iPad early and because it showed a lot of private information that was being leak out and collected. Then apple turns around and the exact same thing but even worse. They do not even let you opt out. You have to agree to it to use iOS4. Type BS from apple.
Google is much more up front with what they do with the data the collect and do not sell it off like Apple WILL.
What does this mean for my battery performance?
I don't mind so much about the "Privacy" issue. I trust Apple...even if something gets out...so what?...someone will know where I am for a few days until the leak is publicized? So? What I care about is that this must mean the GPS is active 24/7 (or almost). I know battery life is better on the iPhone 4, but on my 3GS, if I have Maps open, I can watch my battery drain (almost to the minute). So what's gonna happen with iAds constantly checking in?
I don't mind so much about the "Privacy" issue. I trust Apple...even if something gets out...so what?...someone will know where I am for a few days until the leak is publicized? So? What I care about is that this must mean the GPS is active 24/7 (or almost). I know battery life is better on the iPhone 4, but on my 3GS, if I have Maps open, I can watch my battery drain (almost to the minute). So what's gonna happen with iAds constantly checking in?
What are you talking about?
About 98% of Google's revenue comes from ad sales, specifically a highly proprietary system known as Google AdWords. Apple is actually very good at requiring you to opt in regarding location-based apps. Google's privacy policy regarding location services reads about the same as Apple's. Remember, you can opt out of giving data to either company by simply refusing to use their products and services.
If you don't like it, go back to your Sony Walkman, mix tapes, and deadtrees notepad.
agree with cvaldes, where have you been the past 10 years? or 6 months for that matter. Google knows everything about you.
Every single search you make on google is saved forever.
Every single website you visit with google adsense is saved forever.
Every single website you visit with google analytics is saved forever.