In the News
The recent Facebook-related attention to data privacy continues to impact business decisions by major tech companies. In Apple reportedly removing apps that share location data with third parties, Valentina Palladino discusses how Apple is now requiring its apps to ask consumer consent for sharing data, and explicitly disclose that customer data is being collected. Palladino also reports that Apple is requiring apps within the App Store to use collected user information only to improve the customer experience.
Our Take
Having personal user information shared with a third-party is a practice that is resented by many users, but very few take much care to ensure that it doesn’t happen. Apple’s initiative to better the security of app user’s data is a positive step towards user control over their data, as well as toward more transparency in the tech community. We as consumers need to match that step by demanding transparency on a broader scale when our data is being collected and used, and being willing to reject technology or apps that overreach–even if they provide some convenience or entertainment in the short term.
And always remember: if the product is free, then YOU–your data, your creations, your attention–are the product.
Recommendations
- Only download apps that you trust, and consider paying the additional dollar or two to avoid developers incentivized to sell your information in exchange for “free” functionality
- Read what you are agreeing to when you download a new app: if the permissions seem excessive or ill-defined, find another option
- Continue to be careful of what you share on social media sites and apps