Two sides of the coin: Apple is watching you more than you think

Technology giant Apple, compared to other companies, is very sensitive about the storage, security and privacy of user data. But a new test on how Apple collects usage data from iPhones reveals that it does collect sensitive information, even though the company has pledged not to collect user information.

Apple says the following for iOS Device Analytics on its official Device Analytics & Privacy page; “iPhone Analytics may include details on hardware and operating system features, performance statistics, and data about how you use your devices and apps. None of the information collected provides an individual identification of you.”

Although Apple states that it does not collect personal information, it does.

On the other hand, researchers at security firm Mysk show that data analytics sent to Apple contain a permanent, unalterable identification number called DSID (Directory Services Identifier). It was revealed that this data includes user data that may be sensitive, such as your full name, phone number, date of birth, email address, and more. Although Apple states that personal data is not shared with Apple or saved anywhere, this is not the case. Mysk’s tests show that the DSID linked directly to your name is sent to Apple in the same package as all other analytical information.

The findings exacerbate recent discoveries about Apple’s privacy issues and promises. Earlier this month, Mysk discovered that Apple collects analytics information even when you turn off an iPhone setting called “Share iPhone Analytics.” After the relevant information came to light, a class action lawsuit was filed against Apple for allegedly deceiving its customers.

All data is collected

Theoretically, Apple could claim that the ID number is not personal information. But GDPR, the massive European privacy law that sets the standard for data regulation worldwide, defines personal data as any information that “directly or indirectly” identifies an individual, including identification numbers.

The tests also reveal that in some cases, the analytics data includes details about your every move. That means everything you do in real time is sent to Apple, including what you tap, what apps you search for, what ads you see, and how long you’ve looked at a particular app. Tommy Mysk, who conducted the research, states that the findings he discovered were also a shock to him.