Apple chief Steve Jobs has responded to the allegations the Apple is storing location data on iPhone users.
The tracking issue was hit the public consciousness last week when two reasearchers published a blog post that said Apple devices like the iPhone are keeping track of where you've been, and logging that data in an insecure file on your device. The post also said the file can be accessed on any computer on which you've synced your phone.
A MacRumors reader emailed Jobs for clarification on the matter. Apple had been silent on the controversy until now.
"Steve, could you please explain the necessity of the passive location-tracking tool embedded in my iPhone?" the email read. "It's kind of unnerving knowing that my exact location is being recorded at all times. Maybe you could shed some light on this for me before I switch to a Droid. They don't track me."
Jobs responded with a typically terse answer.
"Oh yes they do," he replied. "We don't track anyone. The info circulating around is false."
The issue was actually first reported last year. Apple disclosed details, however vaguely, in a July 2010 letter to a House committee. Apple's customer privacy policy was updated in June of last year, prompting the congressional inquiry.
The policy reads: "To provide location-based services on Apple products, Apple and our partners and licensees may collect, use, and share precise location data, including the real-time geographic location of your Apple computer or device."
You're supposedly able to disable Location Services off on your iPhones under "Settings," and decline any requests to access your location via third-party apps. However, the Wall Street Journal claims the iPhone still tracks location even when the feature is switched off. PCMag is working to verify the claims.
Other companies are also accused of tracking users' location data. It's been confirmed that Google tracks location data on Android users. Microsoft told PCMag that Windows Phones do not store location history. Nokia, RIM, and HP have not responded to requests for comments about how their mobile platforms deal with location data.