Apple today updated its privacy website with a new section called "Labels," which lists privacy labels for all Apple apps.
With the title “Transparency is the best policy,” Apple aims to provide users with more detailed information on the new website about how Apple apps handle their personal data. Introduction is it [called:
Our privacy labels are designed to help you understand how apps handle your data, including the apps we develop at Apple. This page brings together the privacy labels for our iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS apps in one place.
Apple does not track users
Apple has provided privacy labels for its own apps since introducing the labels feature last year—albeit on individual support pages. This new "Labels" section simplifies things by listing all apps in one place and in alphabetical order. Privacy labels are available for Apple's apps across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS, so some apps like GarageBand appear more than once. Apple has also included labels for developer tools like Xcode and even the App Store itself, providing a very comprehensive level of privacy information. Cupertino explains that users won't find any data listed under "Data Used to Track You" because Apple doesn't track users. Apple emphasizes that the company holds itself to a higher standard than all other developers, who are allowed to track users if they obtain their permission through the App Tracking Transparency framework, which will be enforced starting with iOS 14.5.
App Store: Data protection labels have been mandatory since December 2020
Since December 2020, developers have been required to disclose a type of "nutrition label" for their apps. This is intended to give consumers a better overview of an app's privacy practices. The new privacy resource describes several key categories to consider, such as data types, data usage, data linked to users, tracking, links to privacy policies, and how to answer questions about app privacy. Apple says the goal is to better inform users about the privacy practices of individual apps. Apple requires developers to complete the labels when submitting new apps and app updates to the App Store. However, the labels operate on an honor system. The company has previously stated that it "conducts routine and ongoing reviews of the information provided" and works with developers to correct any inaccuracies. Apps that do not meet the requirements will be removed from the App Store. (Image: Apple)
