Red Security

Quote:A team of security researchers behind a popular mobile firewall app say they've identified tens of iOS apps that are collecting location data from iPhone users, data they later pass on to monetization firms. In all cases, researchers say, the collection occurs via packaged tracking code monetization firms provide to developers to embed in their respective apps.

The good news, as researchers point out, is that the data collection does not take place covertly. Instead, all the apps ask users for permission to collect the data they do. Most of the apps researchers have looked at, appear to have a valid reason for requesting those permissions. The problem, according to the Guardian app team, is that there is "little or no mention of the fact that location data will be shared with third-party entities for purposes unrelated to app operation."