Wrapping Up the Apple Location Brouhaha

Apple is saying that the researchers were wrong. First, the “secret file” contains information about nearby Wi-Fi hot spots and cell towers, not your exact location. And second, your device is sending information to Apple, although in an anonymous, encrypted form. Now, one part of Apple’s response is a little unconvincing. Yeah, OK, the file includes the location of Wi-Fi hot spots and cell towers — near you. So no, it doesn't record what park bench you were sitting on. But it’s still tracking what city you were in, and is therefore keeping a record of your travels.

Anyway, the whole thing is moot now. In a software update in the next couple of weeks, Apple will (a) stop backing up the location database to your computer, (b) store only a week’s worth of hot spot locations and (c) stop collecting hot spot locations if you turn off Location Services. In the next iOS update, furthermore, the location list will also be encrypted on the phone itself. Interestingly, Apple also performed a pre-emptive strike. It revealed something else your iPhone is tracking: traffic data. This is the second time Apple has found itself neck-deep in a PR brouhaha where it blamed the problem on a bug. Both times, Apple wasn't apologetic, but at least it took prompt action through a software update. In this case, at least, security consultants seem satisfied. Apparently, the Locationgate case is now closed.