iOS4: Apple to start collecting user location data

[superconnected]

Source: Telegraph.co.uk

Apple has amended its privacy policy to give it the ability to collect user location data. The changes are part of Apple's new iPhone, iPod touch and iPad operating system, iOS4, and users must give their explicit consent for the data to be collected.

Users are prompted to agree to the new terms and conditions when they download apps, music or movies from the iTunes store. Apple said that the data was anonymous, and could not be used to personally identify individual users. It said that the information could also be used by its partners and licensees to help improve services, content and advertising.

"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," reads the new section of Apple's privacy policy.

"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.

Read more: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/apple/7845853/iOS4-Apple-to-start-collecting-user-location-data.html

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Yeah, it's collected anonymously but doesn't personally identify you, and used by Apple and their partners to improve service. Got it.

[tridim]

1. Big Brother doesn't scare Apple users

They are more than happy to keep giving him their money, no matter what.

Feel free to prove me wrong. ;)

[Cronus Protagonist]

2. Yup

I bet there will be no concerns about this initially. Of course, when you've signed up for a service that uses this geo location setup, they will know who you are despite the "anonymous" location data. Later on, when it's "discovered" that there's "issues" with Apple "security", there may be a little tiff about it, but hey, Apple customers are nothing if they're not loyal, so they'll easily get over it.

[tridim]

6. The iBorg is going to be one hell of a product launch.

I used to say this tongue-in-cheek, but it's now pretty obvious where we're headed. No pun intended.

No doubt there will be Apple fanboys camped out in front of the Apple Store for weeks with their heads pre-shaved for the operation.

Edited to add this hilarious quote I just saw on another forum:

"I don't care if Steve Jobs personally tracks my every move as long as my Google Maps app keeps me from getting lost."

[Fearless]

3. +1

:popcorn:

[TerribleLarryDingle]

4. Telegraph always get's it right.

Like this old chestnut.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=102&topic_id=4435199&mesg_id=4435199

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

5. Is the acceptance choice pre-selected by default?

Is it something you're hammered with a hundred times a day? Do you have to click NO every time you try do do something?

:shrug:

[tridim]

7. You must accept, or you don't get to use Apple products.

[provis99]

8. how ironic that Apple is imitating Big Brother.

remember their famous anti-Big Brother ad? Maybe the athlete should be hammering a photo of Apple, rather than the IBM guy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYecfV3ubP8

[tomm2thumbs]

10. wondering if Adobe isn't creating one

the irony is inescapable

[MilesColtrane]

9. Like AT&T isn't doing that already...

[Heywood J]

11. Apple seems to be reaching more and more through the screen these days.

It's not like this could be used to collect personal information for ad targeting, like they've patented...

[Endangered Specie]

12. Steve Jobs is like Napolean in Animal Farm...

(Bill Gates is Mr. Jones)