Apple's privacy push requires developers to disclose policies

Since the iCloud hacking attempts, Apple has taken a firmer stance on privacy and how it safeguards user information and data. With iOS 8, this is becoming more important as Apple is allowing third-party apps to tap into HomeKit for a centralized home automation hub, HealthKit for health and fitness tracking, Apple Pay for payments, and keyboard extensions. As such, Apple is requiring third-party developers to appropriately disclose privacy policies in the iTunes App Store when they list their apps and as required by law.

In its developer portal Friday, Apple told developers:

To ensure that customers understand how their data will be used, you must provide a link in the Privacy Policy URL field in iTunes if a privacy policy is required by law in your country or if your app does any of the following:

  • Accesses user or device data
  • Offers an account registration process
  • Accesses a user's existing account
  • Uses the HomeKit Framework or HealthKit Framework
  • Integrates Apple Pay
  • Includes keyboard extensions
  • Contains auto-renewable subscriptions or free subscriptions
  • Appears in the Kids Category

What do you think of Apple being more transparent with privacy?

Source: Apple

Chuong H Nguyen