Soon after the Times’ report, Reps. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Joe Barton (R-Texas) sent Apple CEO Steve Jobs a letter asking Apple’s chief to explain Apple’s location data collection policies in detail. Congressman Markey has now posted Apple’s response (PDF) on his Website.
Here’s what you need to know about how Apple is handling your location data.
Apple is building a location database
Like most cellular device makers and providers, Apple uses information about surrounding Wi-Fi access points and cell towers to get a more accurate fix on where your device is located whenever you use location-based services. Apple used to rely on the databases of Skyhook Wireless and Google to obtain this information, but started building its own database with the introduction of iPhone OS 3.2.
Apple crowd sources its database
If you don’t want your device to participate in this data collection you can opt-out by turning off your location-based services (see instructions below).
Snow Leopard
If you have a Mac running Snow Leopard or Safari 5 you may also be contributing to Apple’s database any time you turn on location services for your Mac. If, for example, you have configured your Mac to set your time zone automatically based on your location, then your computer collects anonymous information about the Wi-Fi access points you use and sends that information back to Apple. The same thing happens if you use location features in Safari 5 such as My Location in Google Maps. It should be pointed out, however, that to use features like Google’s My Location you have to expressly permit your browser to transmit your location data.
GPS
Apple is also collecting information about “traffic patterns and density in various areas” from Apple devices that have embedded GPS chips including the iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4 and both the Wi-Fi and 3G versions of the iPad. Similar to the cell tower and Wi-Fi data collection, Apple only collects information from your device if you have your location services turned on and you use an application that requires GPS functionality. Again, Apple says this information is collected anonymously, encrypted and sent to the company every twelve hours via Wi-Fi.
iAds
Apple does, however, maintain a database of the iAds that have been sent to your device. The company says it does this to avoid sending you “overly repetitive and/or duplicative ads and for administration purposes.” Apple says this information is stored in a secure database that is only accessible by Apple.
You can opt out of iAds entirely by going to https://oo.apple.com/ using your iOS device’s Web browser.
Third-party Apps
As for third-party apps found on the iTunes App Store that use location information, Apple says developers can use and disclose your location information. But to do so they must obtain your prior consent and provide “a service or function that is directly relevant to the use of the application.”
How you can control your location information
If you are using Snow Leopard, and don’t want your Mac transmitting location data, open your System Preferences and select Security>General>Disable Location Services.
If you would like to read Apple’s entire response you can download the PDF here.
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