Apple and Google Defend Use of User Location Data in US Lawmaker Hearing

Strategic Insights -

US lawmakers raised concerns about how consumer location data is collected and protected by Apple and Google in the new era of mobile devices. The two technology giants defended their practices, saying they do not track users' locations but do collect data on Wi-Fi hot spots and wireless towers near the device to provide location services. Apple and Google acknowledged the growing concern about privacy in the mobile industry, which is expected to increase in revenue to $4.7 billion by 2015.

Key Takeaways:

  • Apple's iPhone was found to be logging certain location information, which sparked concerns about user privacy.
  • The company denied tracking users' locations but acknowledged collecting data on Wi-Fi hot spots and wireless towers.
  • Apple issued a software update to limit how much location information was being logged and allowed users to turn off the feature.
  • The US market for location-based services, including applications and advertising, is expected to increase to $4.7 billion by 2015.
  • A report by two programmers found that the operating system used in iPhones and iPad tablet computers logs users' co-ordinates.
  • Regulators in Germany, France, Italy, and South Korea are investigating Apple's data-collection practices.
  • The company was questioned by the attorneys general of Illinois and Connecticut about how they collect and store location information.
  • Google's Android operating system was on 35% of global smartphone shipments in the first quarter of this year.

Statistics:

  • The US market for location-based services is expected to increase to $4.7 billion by 2015 (Source: ABI Research).
  • The operating system used in iPhones and iPad tablet computers logs users' co-ordinates (Source: Report by two programmers).
  • Apple's iPhone was introduced in 2007 (Source: Bloomberg News).
  • Google's Android operating system was on 35% of global smartphone shipments in the first quarter of this year (Source: Canalys).
  • Apple issued a software update to limit how much location information was being logged (Source: Bloomberg News).

Sources:

  • Bloomberg News
  • ABI Research
  • Canalys
  • Toronto Star
  • Federal Trade Commission (FTC)