Josh Ong
Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) told The New York Times on Monday that both companies had gotten in touch with him and were willing to meet to discuss potential threats to user privacy that had been discovered in their respective platforms.
At issue for Schumer are two concerns that have been raised in recent weeks. In late February, the Times reported that iOS applications could upload geo-tagged photos in the background after receiving user approval to access location information. Earlier last month, it was discovered that a number of apps were uploading address books without asking for permission.
“We asked them if they could find a way on their own to prevent apps from having access to private info,†he said. “They were friendly and open to the idea that this ought to be changed.â€
A spokeswoman for the FTC acknowledged having received the senator's letter, but she declined to comment further on the matter.
Test app PhotoSpy's location authorization pop-up. | Source: The New York Times
Schumer reportedly wrote in his letter that the thought of potential privacy violations sent "shivers up the spine." He surmised that Apple and Google have the technology to close up any loopholes and called for them to do so.
The senator also said he was "optimistic" that the issue could be resolved without the need for regulation. The FTC itself recently urged the industry to "redouble its efforts to focus on privacy issues," warning that failure to do so could result in "additional pressure" in the form of legislation.
The issue of mobile privacy has been a hot topic for legislators and regulators alike and has resulted in Apple being called to multiple hearings on the matter. The company met with both the U.S. Senate, the FTC and the FCC last year to explain its policies on safeguarding user location information.
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Bon Adamson
Christine McKee
Marko Zivkovic
Malcolm Owen
Andrew Orr
William Gallagher
8 Comments
Let the backside kissing begin.
And applying some lube in the form of campaign contributions will help prevent chapping.
Let the backside kissing begin.
And applying some lube in the form of campaign contributions will help prevent chapping.
"Senator, I think you dropped this."
this too shall pass. Go get 'em Charlie! Where goes the spotlight goes Schumer. Has he ever done anything about any of his "causes" besides talk. I do take privacy breaches seriously, but he won't.
"Senator, I think you dropped this."
I think it's more likely that the senator had better keep his hand on his wallet while Google's in the room or they'll walk out with it.
I think it's more likely that the senator had better keep his hand on his wallet while Google's in the room or they'll walk out with it.
There will be deeper pockets in the room than Google's.