Issue at Hand
Some popular iPhone apps are breaking Apple’s rules by collecting private information about users’ devices. This goes against Apple’s guidelines.
Sensitive Data Collected
These apps are gathering sensitive information, like how long your phone has been on, where you are, what language you use, how much memory your phone has, battery status, and more. This information could be used to build a profile about you and track your activities.
Background Process Triggered by Notifications
Apple allowed apps to briefly run in the background to handle push notifications with iOS 10. During this time, some apps were discovered collecting this sensitive data without users knowing.
Apps Involved
Notable apps like TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Bing were found doing this unauthorized data collection when push notifications were received.
Apple’s Response
Apple plans to make its rules stricter for app developers. In the future, developers must explain why they need certain features that could lead to user profiling. If they can’t provide a good reason, they might not be allowed on the App Store.
Timeline for Action
Apple is expected to take action in the coming months to fix this issue. They will enforce tighter controls on how apps use certain features that could compromise user privacy.
User Recommendation
If you’re worried about apps collecting your data, you can turn off push notifications completely. This would prevent apps from gathering sensitive information triggered by notifications.
Lack of Response from Apps
The report mentions that apps like TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Bing haven’t commented on these findings yet.
Summary
The practice of unauthorized data collection by apps seems more common than people might think. Apple is aware of the issue and plans to take action by tightening its rules for app developers to protect user privacy. If you’re concerned, you can disable push notifications to prevent apps from collecting your sensitive information.