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

Pocketnow has been here since 2000. All these years we have had one mission: to offer timely, quality, and unbiased content; to create value, educate, and bridge the gap between people and technology. All these years we have never put up a paywall, and we never will. Our content always was, and always will be free. The revenue we earn comes from Ads, but with the decline in Ad Revenue we increasingly need our readers to fund us. If everyone who reads and enjoys our content helps fund and support it, our future will be much more secure.

I want to support Pocketnow

Share This Post

likethis

What's your reaction?

Love It

Like It

Want It

Had It

Hated It

Posted In

Tags

Apple, iOS, News

About The Author

Stephen Schenck

Stephen has been writing about electronics since 2008, which only serves to frustrate him that he waited so long to combine his love of gadgets and his degree in writing. In his spare time, he collects console and arcade game hardware, is a motorcycle enthusiast, and enjoys trapping blue crabs. Stephen's first mobile device was a 624 MHz Dell Axim X30, which he's convinced is still a viable platform. Stephen longs for a market where phones are sold independently of service, and bandwidth is cheap and plentiful; he's not holding his breath. In the meantime, he devours smartphone news and tries to sort out the juicy bits Read more about Stephen Schenck!