Apple today updated its privacy website with a new ‘Labels’ section that brings together privacy labels for all of Apple’s apps in one place, making it easier for users to learn how Apple apps handle their personal information.
/article-new/2021/03/apple-privacy-labels-website.jpg?resize=560%2C315&ssl=1)
Apple has provided privacy labels for its apps since the feature launched last year, but on individual support pages, so this new “Labels” section makes it easier to view the labels all in one place and in alphabetical order. Privacy labels are available for Apple apps on iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS, so some apps like GarageBand show up more than once. Apple has also added labels for developer tools such as Xcode and even the App Store itself, which provide a very comprehensive level of privacy information.
Apple emphasizes that users will not find data under “Data Used to Track You” for its apps, as Apple does not track users. Apple says it holds itself to a higher standard than any other developer, which users are allowed to track if they get their consent through the App Tracking Transparency framework enforced as of iOS 14.5.
Apple introduced privacy labels in the App Store in December, giving users a broad overview of the data types an app can collect and whether the information is used to track them or is tied to their identity or device. These labels appear in App Store listings for third-party apps and downloadable Apple apps such as Apple Podcasts, while built-in non-delete apps, such as Messages, have labels on Apple’s website.
Apple has required developers to complete the privacy labels when submitting new apps and app updates to the App Store since early December, but the labels work on an honor system. Apple previously said it “conducts routine and ongoing audits of the information provided” and works with developers to correct any inaccuracies, adding that non-compliant apps could eventually be removed from the App Store.