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http://www.macnn.com/articles/10/02/04/gps.info.allowed.only.for.beneficial.uses/

Apple prohibits App Store devs from using location-based ads

updated 06:25 pm EST, Thu February 4, 2010

 

GPS info allowed only for "beneficial" uses


Apple has notified App Store developers that they will be prohibited from using location-based information for mobile advertising. The company claims the GPS data can only be used to provide "beneficial information." The announcement has ignited speculation that Apple has reserved the capability for its own advertising endeavors.

"If your app uses location-based information primarily to enable mobile advertisers to deliver targeted ads based on a user's location, your app will be returned to you by the App Store Review Team for modification before it can be posted to the App Store," Apple said.

Many analysts believe Apple is preparing to launch a mobile advertising network that will serve ads through free apps on the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. The company recently acquired Quattro Wireless, a mobile advertising specialist, after reportedly failing to sign a deal to purchase AdMob. The latter company was later picked up by Google.

"Looks like Apple is going to keep location-based advertising to themselves," said Twitterific developer Craig Hockenberry in a recent tweet.

Despite the variety of reports pointing to Apple's mobile advertising push, the company's exact plans remain unclear.


by MacNN Staff

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 iPhone, industry, developer, Apple, iPad

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Comments

  1. mungler

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Feb 2010

    +3
    02/04, 07:13pm | report spam | Reply |

    chockenberry

    ahem.. *craig* hockenberry, not greg.

  1. osxpro

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Oct 2007

    -1
    02/04, 10:17pm | report spam | Reply |

    Denied!

    This is exactly why location services are turned off on my phone. The day Apple bypasses it, is the day my phone goes into the toilet. Contract and all.
    I hope you are reading this Apple.

  1. ggirton

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Nov 1999

    -3
    02/04, 11:00pm | report spam | (1 reply) Reply |

    Apple is big brother

    how is this different?

  1. JulesLt

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Jul 2005

    0
    02/05, 09:44am | report spam | Reply |

    1984

    Can we extend Godwin's Law to include anyone making comparison's to Orwell's novel?

    Erm, it's different, in that the essence of 1984 was nothing to do with contract law between two parties engaged in a commercial relationship i.e. developers on a proprietary platform.

    The tendency to cry 'Big Brother' at the most trivial restriction of any freedom is irritating, to say the least - especially in comparison to the the actual Big Brother moves over the last few years - you know, increased political surveillance, creating a climate of fear out of proportion to the threat, the use of anti-terrorism law against democratic protests.

    I think Apple are wrong in what they're doing (I think you compete by delivering something better, not locking in) but this ain't Big Brother.

  1. facebook_Peter

    Via Facebook

    Joined: Feb 2010

    +3
    02/05, 10:29am | report spam | Reply |

    A bit dramatic maybe?

    This link (which I didn't see included in your post?):

    http://developer.apple.com/iphone/news/archives/2010/february/#corelocation%23corelocation%23corelocation%23corelocation

    has the word "primarily" in there for a reason. It just says they want apps that provide value/benefit based on location, not "primarily" advertising / location based spam. I'm thinking a wholesale ban on LBA by any Quattro competitor would tweak the ears of some antitrust lawyers eh? Doubt it.

    Pete Tenereillo
    Founder/CEO, Trapster.com

  1. MiMiC

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Jun 2007

    +3
    02/06, 01:40pm | report spam | Reply |

    Why not an option?

    I rather be given the option to allow GPS in settings as I much rather have advertisements (if at all) that are relevant to where I am.

  1. facebook_Liz

    Via Facebook

    Joined: Feb 2011

    0
    02/23, 03:49pm | report spam | Reply |

    Security VS Kick-A## apps

    Hi there,
    I have a few thoughts on the subject.
    One: It is vital to be secure in the fact that others can not monitor my location at absolutely any given point. I am not comfortable with the idea of my location being known and broadcasted to everyone across the nation.
    Two: Invasion of privacy is a major problem, especially by brands and/or companies you have come to rely on and trust. Apple is a brand I have come to trust, luck would have it that they decided not to be jerks and implemented this rule, lets see how strict they will be about enforcing it.
    Three: With the expansion of location based services we have to be damn sure that our privacy is protected, this means being careful yourselves (using the settings button) and being careful about where you get your mobile apps from

  1. facebook_Liz

    Via Facebook

    Joined: Feb 2011

    0
    02/23, 03:49pm | report spam | Reply |

    Security VS Kick-A## apps

    Hi there,
    I have a few thoughts on the subject.
    One: It is vital to be secure in the fact that others can not monitor my location at absolutely any given point. I am not comfortable with the idea of my location being known and broadcasted to everyone across the nation.
    Two: Invasion of privacy is a major problem, especially by brands and/or companies you have come to rely on and trust. Apple is a brand I have come to trust, luck would have it that they decided not to be jerks and implemented this rule, lets see how strict they will be about enforcing it.
    Three: With the expansion of location based services we have to be damn sure that our privacy is protected, this means being careful yourselves (using the settings button) and being careful about where you get your mobile apps from

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