Apple’s commitment to privacy as a fundamental right is built into its hardware, software and services and the company has just updated its Privacy website with information on how its devices and software go the extra mile to protect user's private data, location and details through a variety of transparent features.
Today’s smartphones and computers don’t serve as mere tools for work or pleasure. They contain a vast amount of personal information, private data, photos, location information and even valued corporate information. Apple puts personal privacy of its users as a top priority, not that people have something to hide or are doing illegal activities with their devices, but because Apple believes privacy is a fundamental right worth protecting.
The fundamental challenge has been to enable the connectivity and communications functionality of these devices to work optimally while preserving and protecting personal privacy. Apple Inc. today stressed its commitment to the privacy of its customers and has even outlined various ways which it protects user privacy on iPhones, Macs and other products and services.
Apple says it minimizes data collection needed to run apps and services. This means the company aims to collect as little customer data as possible while dissociating the customer from the information.
A lot of the data collection happens on device and stays there, with security requiring random identifiers that are privacy friendly and transparent manner.
Apple products and services are designed to protect user privacy and employ many advanced and secure steps to ensure that users remain anonymous and safe. This means that even a straightforward process as getting turn-by-turn directions in Maps is broken down into multiple threads so they can’t be attributed to a specific user’s trip.
The updated Apple Privacy website offers a detailed look at the steps the company takes to protect user privacy and data through its latest hardware and software updates. The website breaks down all the privacy features and controls set by the company in device, through its secure and encrypted servers as well as through various apps.
Users in Australia, the United States, New Zealand, and Canada can also download their personal data through Apple’s Data and Privacy portal.
Apple stresses that, "Every Apple product is designed from the ground up to protect that information. And to empower you to choose what you share and with whom. We’ve proved time and again that great experiences don’t have to come at the expense of your privacy and security. Instead, they can support them."