Apple has released several statements saying that they don’t use the GPS data that they collect about customers but that they collect GPS data about customers BUT that the data that they collect they do use, just not for tracking although GPS data can only be used for tracking … WHAT!?? In the article found here it says Apple “does not track iPhone users” BUT “software does contain flaws affecting the collection of data required for location-based services.”

What I have gleaned since the issue started is that there is a file that records GPS data as you move around. That file is used by several apps/services but you must actively grant apps/services to access the data. In general there is a bug that could potentially allow programs access to some GPS data without your express permission but that is being patched soon. Also Apple has stated over and over that they don’t glean that file that records GPS locally on the iPhone. While no one has tested that stated fact it wouldn’t be hard to prove either way, perhaps when I have some time.

Until next time,
TechStop