Apple Tracking Lawsuit Given The Green Light
Remember a little over a year ago, when there was a minor scandal over iOS gathering location-based information on its users? Apple quickly responded to the revelation of cached WiFi AP data by making some modifications to how iOS stores such data, and for how long. Despite those steps the company took, some users still felt that they were wronged, and proceeded to file suit against Apple. Now, the go-ahead has been given for the case to continue, where it will be argued that Apple violated California consumer protection laws.
While a victory for the plaintiffs, this decision follows a string setbacks. The initial complaint was dismissed last year, and this represents a modified refiling. While the judge did allow the case to continue in light of those California laws, many of the claims were dismissed, including those alleging fraud and violation of federal wiretap law.
In addition to those location privacy issues, this suit alleges Apple allowed app developers to collect information on users without their permission. From the sound of things, the case could come down to what seems almost like splitting hairs – issues over details like whether or not Apple harmed customers by taking up phone storage space while collecting this data.
Source: Reuters
