It has been reported that iPhone has been collecting personal location data without its users knowing.
The latest on the iPhone/iPad location tracking data controversy is that the iPhone is also collecting and storing location information even when location services are turned off. The location data appear to be collected using cellphone towers and Wi-Fi access points near a user’s phone and don’t appear to be transmitted back to Apple.
However, the “WSJ” says it appears that turning off location services doesn’t disable the storage of location data on iPhones.
What’s more, Apple is being investigated by South Korea’s communications regulator to determine if it is breaking the law by saving data on the location of iPhone users. Korea Communications Commission asked Apple how often information is collected and saved, and whether users have a choice over whether it is saved or deleted, the commission said in an e-mailed statement today. The commission also said it will form a team to study how to better protect smartphone users’ information and privacy.
Apple has been investigated by French, German and Italian privacy regulators since analysts reported the company’s devices track and store data about the movements of iPhone and iPad users.
Meanwhile, one “MacRumors” (http://www.macrumors.com) reader reportedly emailed Apple CEO Steve Jobs and asked: “Could you please explain the necessity of the passive location-tracking tool embedded in my iPhone? It’s kind of unnerving knowing that my exact location is being recorded at all times. Maybe you could shed some light on this for me before I switch to a Droid. They don’t track me”. Jobs purportedly answered: “Oh yes they do. We don’t track anyone. The info circulating around is false.”