Apple Customers Sue over Location Data; Illinois AG Seeks More Information
Two Apple customers have sued the technology giant over its recording of location data on iPhones and iPads.
The suit filed in federal court in Tampa on Friday claims the data violates the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, according to the Wired blog Gadget Lab. The suit claims the mobile devices are computers that were accessed by Apple without authorization. The complaint (PDF posted by Wired) also alleges Apple engaged in unfair and deceptive practices and fraudulent misrepresentation by secretly recording the data.
The suit says users of the iPhone and iPad were unaware of the tracking, and they are unable to prevent the data collection by disabling their global positioning system. The action seeks class-action status.
Meanwhile, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan has requested meetings with both Apple and Google over storage of location data on iPhones, iPads and Google Android smartphones, according to the Los Angeles Times Technology blog.
“I want to know whether consumers have been informed of what is being tracked and stored by Apple and Google and whether those tracking and storage features can be disabled,” Madigan said in a press release.
Apple has said its mobile devices send location data to the company twice a day, but they don’t reveal any personal information, the Technology blog says.
Prior coverage:
ABAJournal.com: “Puerto Rico Federal Case Alleges that Apple, Apps, Invade Privacy”
