“Well, Google already does this with its Android platform. The information is typically not used to track you per se, but the device and services that are being accessed on it,” Zeman reports. “The feedback generated by this information helps developers and third-party companies improve the performance and capabilities of their apps. At least, in theory.”
“The new privacy terms must be agreed to before users can update or download apps from the iPhone App Store. Most users will click the “accept” button without reading the new terms. The only way to avoid agreeing to the terms would be to stop using iTunes do download applications,” Zeman reports. “That’s not a realistic alternative.”
“As Apple notes, the information isn’t being tied to any specific end users and can’t be used to discover their identity directly. Many of the applications that are offered to the iPhone are location-enabled. They are required to ask the user if the user wants the application to access their location data before it can do so,” Zeman reports. “Google Maps wouldn’t be very useful from your mobile phone if the phone couldn’t tell Google Maps where you are. You get the idea.”
Full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: You can always opt-out of iAds if you want to see snowblower ads in Phoenix.
I’m your new big brother and now I have a new way to watch over you and keep you safe and out of trouble, by knowing where you are, who you’re talking to, what you’re buying, what you’re interested in, what you like, what you say, and what you think. I will make your world a better place – I will make it perfect, and I will remove all undesirable elements, including yours. Just vote for me, and click ‘agree’. It’s all in the name of Good.
Since people say AT+T coverage suck so much, how Big can this Brother really be?
acid
Heh, heh!
Minority Report is here.
I actually couldn’t care less if Apple knew where I was at any given time. But I trust them when they say that they’re not tracking me individually. What’s in it for them to know where I am anyway? I certainly don’t think they’re selling that info to anyone. They’re way too smart to do that. If they did that and got caught they’d be crucified for it.
I’ll check “OK” and not think another thing about it.
Ownlife = thoughtcrime.
Doubleplusungood.
Either duckspeak or become unperson.
We report dayorder, you decide.
Big Brother = x.
x = ?
They really need to offer an option to opt-out. I haven’t decided if I care or not, but it isn’t really fair to those that purchased the phone not knowing that Apple would change their TOS to track their location.
Toucan turn off location services anytime you want.
If the location info on Twitter is any indication, no worries; it often puts me in a town several miles from my actual location.
If enough people raise a stink, maybe there’ll be an “opt out” setting…but be prepared for iAds that have nothing to do with where you are.
I never click on ads. I prefer not being tracked and get snowblowers ads in Phoenix. I am very disappointed with the direction Apple is taking. My location in none of their business…
Everyone has an opt out option; don’t use Apple’s products, end of story.
Those equating geo-synchronous tracking as a means to unlock the secrets of your life are either ignoramouses, deviants, or feeding their paronoid delusions.
You can’t have your cake and eat it too! You trust the one you’re about to marry, or you don’t.
I know there is little correlation between marrying someone and buying a electronics gadget, however, most of us know we aren’t just buying a gadget, we’re putting our faith and trust in Apple, a company we have come to respect for putting the customer’s user experience above profits.
Exercise your free will and shop around. Compare the iPhone and Apple to Android and Google to N90 and Nokia and choose, but then stop bitching at here at MDN because you’re weakness is showing. Which, believe me, reveals a lot more about you than your phone does!
I’m not so much worried about Apple as I am worried about ATT – they have already been shown to have allowed “Homeland Security” (God I hate that term – gives me the creeps) direct access to everyone’s calls. What’s to stop them from giving them unfettered access to your location and who knows what else?
For those who say don’t buy the iPhone:
What about those that bought the iPhone before the policy changes were released? The product they purchased is no longer the same product. Those people already voted with their dollars for a product that doesn’t track their location, now they don’t have that product.
Yes, they can purchase another phone, but they’re not going to get their money back for the iPhone.
I’ve pretty much decided I don’t care about that change with respect to my own use. I’ve never been much for the tin-foil hat crowd, but I respect those that feel that way. I feel sorry for those that purchased the phone only to have the TOS changed after their purchase.
Follow up: turning off Location Services prevents the data from being collected. I’m sure those that want to, will turn it off and be happy. They lose a little bit of functionality, but not much.
Your an idiot, end of story.
You’re, of course
Heh heh heh
We’ve taken care of everything
The words you hear, the songs you sing
The pictures that give pleasure to your eyes
It’s one for all and all for one
We work together, common sons
Never need to wonder how or why
We are the Priests of the Temples of Syrinx
Our great computers fill the hallowed halls
We are the Priests, of the Temples of Syrinx
All the gifts of life are held within our walls
Look around at this world we’ve made
Equality our stock in trade
Come and join the Brotherhood of Man
Oh, what a nice, contented world
Let the banners be unfurled
Hold the Red Star proudly high in hand
We are the Priests of the Temples of Syrinx
Our great computers fill the hallowed halls
We are the Priests, of the Temples of Syrinx
All the gifts of life are held within our walls
Honestly, paronoid about gadgets as though they were grist for the harvestors!
You weenies disclose more personal information about yourself everyday by your assnine choices than all of the data collected from your devices!
If we entertained the myriad ways harm could befall us, we’d never get out of bed.
The very clown who was arrested for hacking AT&T’s iPad data server was making a fortune stealing identities. He sat for an interview with CNet and disclosed how easy it was to earn twenty-five thousand dollars each day, targeting your data that is online just sitting there for the taking.
In fact, at the conclusion of the interview, the hacker emailed the CNet author’s SSN to him, as if to prove no one is immune.
The first thing you have to ask yourself is, WHY would anyone want YOUR personal information.
I’m just a Joe Six-pack, no one of any significance whatsoever. I’ve no real money or significant investments and zero prospects for any kind of affluent lifestyle, and wouldn’t have it any other way.
Those of you who are being overly cautious about your what… security? Online presence? Vulnerability? I understand it, but I refuse to feed your reluctance.
I have enough challenges to deal with each day, without inventing more, especially where supposed giant corporations are interested in using me as fuel to stoke the fires of profit taking.
I’m not making light of your concerns, I’m just saying no one should be waiting for “1984” to arrive, because we’ve been living with it since the day we were born!
You reap what you sew.
@fisherbin
those who already own iPhones can go right on enjoying them without your intrepidations by not upgrading to iOS 4.
The new conditions apply to iOS 4 only and not their current system software. Anyone who is reluctant like you should refrain from upgrading to the new OS until you’ve had a chance to seek professional council.
By the way fishbin, what did Apple have to say about your concerns? If you or anyone else is all that concerned, i’d suggest you write to the Man at,
sjobs@apple.com
How will you ever know that somebody doesn’t have the Marauders’ Map?
Apple already has an opt-out page, mentioned in their updated privacy policy, just go here with your iOS4 Safari:
http://oo.apple.com/
At the same time, who the hell is going to read 70+ pages of dense legal crap on an iPhone screen!?
It is better to stay silent and let people think you are an idiot than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.
@G4Dualie
Read my entire post next time before you comment. I have no reason to contact Apple on this one since I’m fine with it. I, however, see where others will have issues with it.