iOS Photo and Video Privacy Issues Highlighted with New Test Application

earlier month, privacy issues related uploading of users' address books developers' servers cast limelight congress requested details apple on how private information handled , protected. while apple quickly responded note addressing issue requiring explicit permission granted users apps access address book data, has been relatively open secret time developers can gain access broad array of might considered private information, including photos, calendars, , other content.

the new york times today taking closer look @ topic of photos , videos, noting how easy developers quietly gain access such content when given permission collect location information.

quote

after user allows application on iphone, ipad or ipod touch have access location information, app can copy user's entire photo library, without further notification or warning, according app developers.

unclear whether apps in apple's app store doing this. apple says screens apps submitted store, , presumably not authorize app copied person's photos without reason. copying address book data against apple's rules, , company let through number of popular apps did so.

click expand...

the new york times tested behavior commissioning ios developer write simple test application dubbed "photospy" demonstrates how simple pop-up requesting permission access location information can lead broad access photos , videos in user's photo library on device.

quote

when "photospy" app started up, asked access location data. once granted, began siphoning photos , location data remote server. (the app not submitted app store.)

click expand...

apple , other mobile app distributors signed on new agreement california attorney general's office see companies making easier users examine privacy policies associated apps before download them. , pressure mounting on apple take further steps ensure apps can access information explicitly permitted users, many undoubtedly hoping more changes coming in relatively near future.

update: the verge reports "sources familiar situation" have indicated photo , video access bug , fix in works.

quote

we spoke sources familiar situation, , informed fix coming loophole. according people talked to, apple has been made aware of issue , planning fix upcoming release of ios. sources confirmed ability send photos , videos third-party error, not intended feature. if had guess, fix come alongside patch apple's other recent security issue -- ability apps upload address book information without warning.

click expand...

article link: ios photo , video privacy issues highlighted new test application

 

this has been verified number of people on forums.

- contacts
- calendars
- photos
- videos

nothing new. although, highly severe , critical.

apple made mess out of them. should have treated data, way treat locations in general. lenient.

 

Forums News and Article Discussion MacRumors.com News Discussion

• iPhone
• Mac OS & System Software
• iPad
• Apple Watch
• Notebooks
• iTunes
• Apple ID
• iCloud
• Desktop Computers
• Apple Music
• Professional Applications
• iPod
• iWork
• Apple TV
• iLife
• Wireless