It is not the first time Google and Apple have come under fire for not respecting their users' privacy. This time, both the companies
are accused of tracking their users' location and transmitting that data back to their HQs. Both the culprits have come with a variety of excuses for their misdemeanor. Some have claimed that this intrusion may just be a bug and not an intentional attempt to collect private data.
While Google asserted that tracking 'facility' is an opt-in service and that it seeks users' explicit consent for this purpose, things get a bit more serious in iOS's case. There are several reports claiming that iPhone keeps tracking you even if you turn off your location based services. Apparently, the Wall Street Journal conducted a field test and found that Apple is pretty much flouting its own terms and conditions which states that it will not collect such data if you turn these services off. The only saving grace is that in such it actually does not transmit the collected data back to its HQ and stores it locally in your handset.
Though, Apple has made a pretty good case for proving its innocence. Its on leave CEO Steve Jobs simply responded to an email with an emphatic 'We don't track users, Google does'. Well, the email was not good enough for some miffed iPhone lovers, who nevertheless have proceeded to institute a lawsuit against the Cupertino company. Two iPhone users have filed a case in a District Court in Florida. We are now waiting to see if Apple's official explanation is going to be in the same vein to its CEO’s comment. The two plaintiffs are demanding to put an end to such data collection. They are also demanding refunds for their purchases.
Both the companies are also in danger of being investigated by foreign countries as well. Google is already fighting the similar battle in Europe, where it has been tried by several nations for inappropriate collection of data and breach of privacy. So far, these companies have used the data for generating targeted ads and for filling their coffers.