i actually think this is just a cache of cell tower locations to save repeated look ups.

Apple are just so used to lying they can't help themselves.

Think the EU commission is going to have a field day with this one, hope Apple enjoys watching my daily treks round South Wales, how can they be stupid to leave a file containing that sort of information unencrypted on the Handset and Backups what will they do next record our calls and emails for quality purposes.

Did you even read any of the story's, nothing is sent to Apple, as flagpole said previously it's likely it's used as a cache to save cell tower lookups.

If someone has your phone or you backups there is far more useful info they can get. Click the encrypt backups option in iTunes if it bothers you.

I imagine iOS 4.3.3 will be released very soon....

http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology...ons?CMP=twt_gu

Now Google join the party.

Earlier I questioned why iPhones need to keep up to a year's data, at least Google's method appears to be a recent cache to aid positioning rather than a log of everywhere you've been since you bought the phone.

I'd like to know what is meant in the Guardian by:

but I suppose there'll be an app for that soon.

why have Apple not issued a statement on this?

Maybe like the aerial affair, it'll be something like "All phones retain mast and WiFi data" with an accompanying Keynote presentation...

I actually think it's because they couldn't give a ####.

Millions of their customers are concerned about a privacy issue and they can't be bothered to issue a statement.

You're right that they should really have made an announcement by now.

I was just suggesting they may handle it like antennae-gate by making a presentation saying everyone else's kit does it too, instead of addressing the issue in their kit. They tried to deflect the issue away from the iPhone 4 by avoiding the point that; by building the aerial into the case (which I think was a selling point on release, you know, thinner) where the user can touch it, you're more likely to have problems. It must have been a sheer coincidence that Apple gave away free bumpers, which, cover up the antennae so it can't be easily touched and so interfere with the signal.

Their lawyers may have told them keep quiet, this could cost them a lot of money.

I read it as 'since IOS4 came into being' thus the thoughts on iADs. And so the data could be there forever.

I was only going from a couple of articles that mentioned a year of data which as you say is about the time IOS4 has been around.

You may well be right that it could be for ever as it just seems to append data, the more I think about it I find it hard believe there is a clean up query that deletes data over n days old. Androids method makes sense as it acts like a proper cache with a fixed number of items handled by a first one in, first one out system.

I always opt out of 'google location services' on new Android devices.
Which I assume is the 'Use wireless networks' tick box in the Location settings.
I'm not certain if that is what records the Android data.

The NYT has a far more detailed information on this.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/22/te...ref=technology
(referring to last July) In the letter, Apple said it collects the location data anonymously and only when consumers agree to use its location-based services like maps, or any apps that ask a user’s location, and for its advertising system, iAds. The company said that it has been offering location-based services since 2008, but that only in 2010, when it released iOS 3.2, did it begin relying on its own databases for those services. Explaining its need to collect data from its customers’ phones, Apple wrote, “These databases must be updated continuously.”

The weird bit to me is that the file is transferred to every single PC you ever have ever used it with.

Yes but to access the info from a mobile phone company the police etc need legal authority to do so (a warrant etc). they don't if the collect the same info from your phone, as they already have the necessary power to do so.

Apple and Google are to be summoned to a Senate sub-commitee in Washington on May 10th 'to discuss consumer privacy, where witnesses from the US Department of Justice, Federal Trade Commission, Center for Democracy and Technology, and others will talk about what the latest mobile technology means for privacy and the law.' http://arstechnica.com/apple/news/20...ce-privacy.ars

Also the pressure is mounting: Apple have already been slapped with a class-action lawsuit in the US http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-0...cation-1-.html

Apple Gets Hit With Class Action Suit Over Location Tracking

http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/1378...#ixzz1KZxTdGFY

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan called for a meeting Monday with Apple Inc. and Google executives in the wake of reports that iPhones, iPads and Google Android devices are collecting and storing detailed information about users’ locations.
http://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/n...ith-apple.html

I have an iphone4 and not really bothered about the tracking thing as i never really go anywhere that Apple would be excited about. However if I was having an affair or wanted to do something dodgy there is always the option of turning the phone of, or leaving it at home.

thats ridiculous.

if you don't want to be tracked you can turn your phone off.... that's like apple speak.

If someone hacked your phone when your having an affair, the cell tower locations are gonna be the least of your worries

You can download a Windows version here:http://www.raphaelabitbol.info/2011/...-sous-windows/

have Apple issued a statement yet?

I've just tried this and the results are sketchy.

What I do note, however, is that it pinpoints me at locations that I haven't actually physically been to. I've been looking at some of my old addresses and schools etc on Google maps and Streetview and it suggests times and dates when it would have been physically impossible for me or my phone to be anywhere near that area.

I had a nostalgic look at my Dad's old house on Streetview a few weeks ago and, even though it's 60 miles away, it suggested I'd been there, even though I'd just had a "virtual" look at it.

There's obviously some tie-in with accounts and sharing of data here.

http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2011...cation_qa.html

I've just had a look at my so called 'location tracking'. I was hoping it might be more interesting than this; that I'd be able to see a history of where I've been over the past 2 years. But alas not.

Apparently, unless my phone has been sneaking off by itself while I sleep, I've been to towns and cities I've never in my life been to. And also, bizarrely, I've never been anywhere near my house. Or work. Or my girlfriend's house. Or my parents' house.

I don't know exactly what this thing is supposed to be for, but it sure as hell isn't for tracking my location. Another sensationalist story blown out of proportion? Surely not!