Apple and Google respond to the U.S. Senate regarding location-tracking
Share:
Apple, which was the first to be implicated in a potential breach of privacy, argued that they aren't really tracking device locations. Instead, they say they are using crowdsourcing to locate cell towers and Wi-Fi hotspots. And the "Consolidated.db" file, which prompted the privacy investigation, is allegedly not tracking individual user locations.
Google said that all of their location tracking is optional, and users can choose to turn their location services off. Apple's iOS, on the other hand, was still adding information to "Consolidated.db" even when location services were off. But a recent iOS update has remedied this.
Google further demonstrated their commitment to users' privacy by suggesting that privacy legislation be adapted to the present technological landscape. They point out that a user's data on a remote server isn't protected by the 4th Amendment (regarding search and seizure) in the same way that their physical property might be.
So is this just a dog-and-pony show for the consumer's benefit? We figure that even if Google and Apple are just trying to pacify consumers, it will still lead to an improvement in consumer privacy laws. What do you think?
source: MobileBurn
Share:
Music Beta cloud service launched by Google, Motorola XOOM owners invited 
HP Veer 4G Unboxing 
-
Screenshots from Sony Xperia ZU prototype confirm specs
-
Microsoft and Nokia reportedly end merger negotiations
-
First phone with flexible screen coming by the end of the year
-
Huawei Ascend D2 surprisingly scores as best 1080p LCD display, beats HTC One, Sony Xperia Z
-
HTC Butterfly S is announced
-
Alleged iPhone 5S display front pops up in high resolution
7 Comments
1. hellopeople posted on 10 May 2011, 19:53 0
apple sent an update, and honestly it never happened to me. it obviously happens on android cuz its so buggy.
6. iHateCrapple posted on 11 May 2011, 09:09 2
Do everyone a favor and get a clue before you speak.
2. messiah posted on 10 May 2011, 20:27 3
how come they know where i am when i have no stinking clue....' this sucks
3. Droid_X_Doug posted on 10 May 2011, 22:13 3
Notice how the iOS v. 4.3.3 update (which enables the user to turn off location tracking) was released just before Apple representatives were scheduled to testify....
Isn't the timing of the iOS v. 4.3.3 release just sooo coincidental?
4. Maxxx (unregistered) posted on 11 May 2011, 04:07 2
i saw on CNN the US senators saying that they are NOT satisfied with Apple response
this debate and inquiry is far from over, Apple didn`t give enough details
5. InspectorGadget80 posted on 11 May 2011, 05:45 2
I saw the.conference on C Span. Apple looks like they can't explain why and how their phones being track and can't get a simple answer. At least GOOGLE show them a chart.and gives you to turn off location tracking off.
