TechCrunch had reported that many companies having their iOS apps are using the analytics services to record the users’ activities over their iPhone without their knowledge. Upon this Apple has asked the app developers, to disclose the analytic code to the user, or remove the code from their iOS apps, else Apple will remove the apps from Apple Store, itself.
Using
the code, these apps capture the users’ data, like their taps,
swipes, and even records their full screen, without giving a hint of
that to the user. Recording such activities is called Session
Replaying. According to App Store’s Review Guidelines, Apple
completely prohibits Session Replay feature, without the proper
consent of the user.
An
Apple spokesperson wrote in an email, “Protecting user privacy is
paramount in the Apple ecosystem. Our App Store Review Guidelines
require that apps request explicit user consent and provide a clear
visual indication when recording, logging, or otherwise making a
record of user activity.”
He
further added, “We have notified the developers that are in
violation of these strict privacy terms and guidelines, and will take
immediate action if necessary.”
To
capture the users’ activities through the apps, the developers
embed code from a third-party company, in this case, those apps used
the Glassbox for Session Replaying. Tech Crunch gave a few names that
were using Session Replay feature in their apps, including
Abercrombie & Fitch, Hotels.com, Air Canada, Hollister, Expedia,
and Singapore Airlines.
Those
companies are violating Apple’s guidelines as there is no mention
of users’ screen recording in their Privacy Policy. Although there
has been no confirmation from those companies on capturing the users’
data, Apple has already warned one of those companies to remove the
analytics code from their apps. Apple wrote in an email to the
developer, “Your app uses analytics software to collect and send
user or device data to a third party without the user’s consent. Apps
must request explicit user consent and provide a clear visual
indication when recording, logging, or otherwise making a record of
user activity.”
Apple
has also asked the companies, that wants to keep the user experience
analytic code embedded in their apps, to include a little red icon on
the upper left corner of the iPhone screen, to let people be aware of
the apps recording their screen activities.
Upon
the whole screen capturing issue, Glassbox has also taken its dig on
the matter and has said, “TechCrunch’s piece was interesting but
also misleading. Glassbox and its customers are not interested in
‘spying’ on consumers.” The company further said. “Our goals
are to improve online customer experiences and to protect consumers
from a compliance perspective. Since its inception, Glassbox has
helped organizations improve millions of customer experiences by
providing tools that record and analyze user activity on websites and
apps. This information helps companies better understand how
consumers are using their services, and where and why they are
struggling. We are strong supporters of user privacy and security.
Glassbox provides its customers with the tools to mask every element
of personal data. We firmly believe that our customers should have
clear policies in place so that consumers are aware that their data
is being recorded — just as contact centres inform users that their
calls are being recorded.”
The matter clearly is not about Glassbox but is about how the customers’ personal data is being compromised. Apple is serious about the privacy of the data that those apps are capturing, so those app developers must do something in this regard in order to keep their apps running on the iPhone.
Yashica is a Software Engineer turned Content Writer, who loves to write on social causes and expertise in writing technical stuff. She loves to watch movies and explore new places. She believes that you need to live once before you die. So experimenting with her life and career choices, she is trying to live her life to the fullest.
