Apple Bans 250 Apps That Secretly Accessed User Data

HIGHLIGHTS

• Apple is removing apps that collect personal data from its online store

• Apple made the announcement a day after researchers discovered apps using Chinese advertising software that extracts “personally identifiable user information”

• Apple does not allow third-party applications to share data about a user without users’ permission

Apple is kicking out applications that collect personal data in violation of the company’s privacy policies from its online store, the tech giant said.

The iPhone maker made the announcement a day after researchers discovered hundreds of apps using Chinese advertising software that extracts “personally identifiable user information.”

Apple confirmed that discovery.

“We’ve identified a group of apps that are using a third-party advertising SDK (software development kit), developed by Youmi, a mobile advertising provider, that… gather private information, such as user email addresses and device identifiers, and route data to its company server,” the California-based company said in a statement to AFP.

“This is a violation of our security and privacy guidelines. The apps using Youmi’s SDK will be removed from the App Store and any new apps submitted to the App Store using this SDK will be rejected.

“We are working closely with developers to help them get updated versions of their apps that are safe for customers and in compliance with our guidelines back in the App Store quickly.”