France's National Commission on Informatics and Liberty (CNIL) has fined Apple $8.5 million (8 million euros) for allegedly collecting identifying data from App Store visitors using iOS 14.6 without their permission in order to target ads.
The company is accused of violating data protection laws and profiting from the practice. CNIL stated that although users could turn off the ad targeting, it was enabled by default and required multiple menu levels to disable, making it impossible for users to properly consent.
Apple has since changed its practices and has been monitored by CNIL between 2021 and 2022 to ensure compliance with data rules. The company plans to appeal the decision and said that its Search Ads system gives users more options for targeted ads than any other system and doesn't track users across third-party apps or websites.
Here's part of the official statement Apple gave to the Financial Times:
"We are disappointed with this decision given the CNIL has previously recognized that how we serve search ads in the App Store prioritizes user privacy, and we will appeal."
"Apple Search Ads goes further than any other digital advertising platform we are aware of by providing users with a clear choice as to whether or not they would like personalized ads..."
Mariyan, a tech enthusiast with a background in Nuclear Physics and Journalism, brings a unique perspective to PhoneArena. His childhood curiosity for gadgets evolved into a professional passion for technology, leading him to the role of Editor-in-Chief at PCWorld Bulgaria before joining PhoneArena. Mariyan's interests range from mainstream Android and iPhone debates to fringe technologies like graphene batteries and nanotechnology. Off-duty, he enjoys playing his electric guitar, practicing Japanese, and revisiting his love for video games and Haruki Murakami's works.
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