Frequent readers will remember that I’ve decided to avoid Android phones because of the privacy issues that some of their apps have. Well, you can add the iPhone to that list. The reason is that when Apple came out with iOS 4, they also gave themselves the right to gather and use the location data of your iDevice. Here’s the exact text:
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.
The part that freaks me out is the line about “real-time geographic location of your Apple computer or device.” Now they do say that they can’t tie that to the user of the iDevice in question, but it doesn’t make me feel any better about it. Oh, there’s no way to opt out either. So “The Steve” has you by the shorthairs if you own a location aware iDevice.
It’s apparently freaked the US Congress out too. They’ve asked for more info on this and given “The Steve” until July 12th to answer their questions. I’ll be very interested to see what Apple says. Until then, I’ll be taking a pass on buying an iPhone. Sorry fanbois.