iPhone Apple Weather app privacy is getting more concerning

[orev]

When the ISO 15 Weather app came out, it was a nice redesign. However, I had concerns that they're getting weather data from the Weather Channel.

When there's a weather advisory, if you tap on "See More >" it brings you to the Weather Channel page. This has always popped up a Privacy notice, and if you take a chance to read it, there's some really concerning stuff in there. They're being very invasive.

And now it's getting worse. There's a prompt to install the Weather Channel app, which I can't believe Apple allows for the default data provider. AND, it's now also bugging you to create an account, so you can "access saved locations" on multiple devices (i.e. so they can track you on all devices).

Weather apps are getting very invasive about privacy, and the default app should have these same issues. IT IS NOT OK for the default weather app. Apple should not be allowing this type of behavior from any who is chosen to be the data provider for default built-in apps.

 

[Apple_Robert]

There is nothing invasive about giving the user the option to create an account and consent to sharing location data etc. with that particular website. Invasive would be taking data and other personal information that is contrary to the EULA and without your consent.

 

[orev]

The issue is that apps are constantly using dark patterns to annoy people to give up more and more privacy, and this should not be allowed on default apps that are built-in to the phone.

 

[iStorm]

The issue is that apps are constantly using dark patterns to annoy people to give up more and more privacy, and this should not be allowed on default apps that are built-in to the phone.

But it isn’t Apple’s built-in Weather app that’s doing any of this. Apple pulls the data from The Weather Channel (or other weather data sources depending on the user’s location).

When tapping the weather advisory to get more info, you are taken to weather.com, where their privacy notice now applies. Weather.com is also showing the prompt (Smart App Banner) to install their app, not Apple.

Now that you’re using their site or app, of course they are free to do whatever they want, like asking you to create an account.

 

[Bazza1]

Well, in Canada, Apple's app relies on The Weather Network (a commercial company, not a government agency) to provide information. And for all of Apple's PR re: user privacy, it appears it does not apply to apps they install in the OS.
Simply using the app opens the door -

Sunshine, light winds, and a 100 percent chance of personal data selling

The convenience of easily checking the weather on your phone might be easy, but it certainly isn't free of consequences.

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