New research claims that groundbreaking Apple products like iPhones and 3G iPads secretly recording and storing details of all their owners’ movements, call it as ‘Location data’. This data includes user information like occupation, language, zip code, area code, unique device identifier, location, and the time zone
‘Location data’ is stored in a hidden, unencrypted file format and a specialised software can use this file to map exactly where a person has been after owning iPhone.
Apple has yet to comment on the revelation officially, however there is no suggestion that it has been uploading or using the information. But what is more eyebrow raising is that these devices do not give any visual indication to the users that such data is being recorded and stored permanently without their knowledge.
Although the practice is not explicitly flagged-up, it appears to be covered in the company’s terms of use. So, even the research claims are found to be true, Apple can not be dragged in to court.
Intent of Location data collection..
At present, the real intent is not clear but it is clearly intentional to store on Apple’s part. The location data is transferred to the owner’s computer and stored in a file there each time the two devices are connected to carry-out a backup or synchronisation.
Looking at the Apple’s history it is unlikely that the data can be used for commercial purpose. the possible Location data will be used by Apple to understand customer behaviour and improve their products, services, and advertising business.
Possible threats..
Ok, we all trust Apple. But what if someone (evil-natured) were to steal an iPhone and “jailbreak” it, giving them direct access to the files it contains? They can gather your Location data easily. Alternatively, anyone with direct access to a user’s computer could run the application and see a visualisation of their movements.
Do not want to be tracked..
Apple says it will collect almost no location information from your phone if you don’t have location services turned on.
So, to adjust your preference follow following procedure:
1. Open up your device’s Settings app
2. Toggle ‘Location Services’ to ‘Off’.
Hope this makes you safe, but you never know
Keep smiling!!!
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