Apple Collecting, Sharing iPhone Users’ Precise Locations

Apple Inc. is now collecting the “precise,” “real-time geographic location” of its users’ iPhones, iPads and computers.  In an updated version of its privacy policy, the company added a paragraph noting that once users agree, Apple and unspecified “partners and licensees” may collect and store user location data.  When users attempt to download apps or media from the iTunes store, they are prompted to agree to the new terms and conditions. Until they agree, they cannot download anything through the store.  The company says the data is anonymous and does not personally identify users. Analysts have shown, however, that large, specific data sets can be used to identify people based on behavior patterns.  An increasing number of iPhone apps ask users for their location, which is then used by the application or even uploaded to the app’s maker. Apps like the Twitter application Tweetie and Google Maps make frequent use of location data, either to help the user get oriented geographically or to associate the user’s action with a specific location (as when a tweet is geotagged).  Apple says in its privacy policy that it uses personal information to “improve our services, content, and advertising.” 

Read More: LATimes.com

Zuckerberg: Facebook Will Add Creativity to Ad Platform

CEO Mark Zuckerberg believes Facebook needs to do as good a job building out its advertising offerings as it has done with its developer platform.  Speaking at the Cannes Lions festival, where he was awarded Media Person of the Year, Zuckerberg told the audience to expect more robust tools for reaching Facebook’s approximately 500 million monthly active users.  “It’s a similar dynamic on marketer side as it is on developer side. We’ve built an A-class developer platform and we need to do the same for advertisers,” he said.  He said any changes the company makes will support more creativity in the ad experience, though what exactly that means remains unclear.  “We think the ecosystem…is gong to be a lot better if we add more creative [elements] to it,” he said. “The more you’re able to customize and personalize the products you offer and the marketing you have, the more effective it’s going to be.”

Read More: ClickZ