Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsenannouncedthis afternoon that he’s sent a letter to Tim Cook regarding the newApple Watchand user privacy. Jepsen wants Cook to explain what data the device will collect, how that data will be stored, and what Apple’s policies are on apps that access health information.
Specifically, Jepsen asks whether Apple will allow consumers to store personal/health info on its servers, and if so. how will that information be safeguarded. He also wants to know what kind of data Apple Watch will collect from users, and how it and its developers plan to obtain consent for this collection from users.
Here are the 5 big questions from Jepsen’s letter:
Interestingly enough, Apple has already answered some of these questions in its recently-updatedApp Store review guidelines. The company tells developers that HealthKit data is not allowed to be stored in iCloud, and apps are not allowed to share HealthKit data with third parties without the user’s express consent.
Still, the Attorney General’s concerns aren’t unwarranted. Apple has taken a lot of criticism in recent weeks over user privacy. In early September, the company’s lackadaisical security measures were blamed in thealleged hackingof a number of celebrity iCloud accounts and subsequential leaking of their nude photos.
Apple unveiled the Apple Watch during a high profilemedia eventlast week. The device boasts a wide range of features, including the ability to read and respond to messages, emails and various other notifications, and track a user’s heart rate and movement. Prices begin at $349, and it will be available early next year.
[ct.govviaBloomberg]
