Both Apple and Google are cracking down on applications that integrate X-Mode Social tracking software.As reported by The Wall Street Journal, Apple has informed developers that it will take two weeks to remove the X-Mode tracker from the application.
Apple and Google decide later Investigative journalism It has been revealed that X-Mode collects data directly from the application and eventually passes it to a US defense contractor. X-Mode will pay to embed the SDK in other developers’ applications in exchange for the location data it collects.
Apple has informed developers that it will take two weeks to remove the X-Mode SDK from applicants. Otherwise, the app may be permanently removed from the App Store. According to a toady report, a review by Apple found that 100 apps created by 30 developers included the X-Mode SDK.
Apple quoted a possible violation of the rules regarding the use and sharing of data and gave developers two weeks to remove the X-Mode SDK. Apple told developers that X-Mode seems to violate the Terms of Service and “secretly build user profiles based on the collected user data.”
Apple and Google are alleged to have announced a decision to ban the X-Mode SDK for investigators working for Senator Ron Wyden, who is investigating “selling location data to government agencies.”
“Americans are tired of learning about apps that sell their location and other sensitive data to anyone who has a checkbook, including the government,” Weiden said. “Apple and Google deserve praise for doing the right thing and expelling their most renowned tracking company, X-Mode Social, from the app store. But many others are sucking data from American phones. There’s much more to do to protect the privacy of Americans, including eradicating Apple’s data brokers. “
X-Mode states that it is “reassessing government activity,” but it also shows that it collects only the same data as most other advertising SDKs.
“The ban on the X-Mode SDK has a wide impact on the ecosystem, given that X-Mode collects mobile app data similar to most advertising SDKs. Apple and Google say private companies are mobile It sets a precedent for determining the ability to collect and use apps. Data. “
Apple’s decision to ban X-Mode continues to double privacy within iOS and the App Store.is Requires new app privacy label With the App Store Deploying new app tracking transparency features With iOS 14 next year. Just this week, Craig Federighi, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Software Engineering, Served as a keynote Lecture at the European Data Protection and Privacy Conference.
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