User Data Privacy: Google vs Apple

Sharing user data can be useful for companies, but it must be done in a safe and clear way. Devices like phones and computers hold a lot of personal information. This is why companies must balance business benefits and user privacy.

Apple’s Privacy Approach

Apple says privacy is a basic human right.

• Principles: Transparency, data minimization, on-device processing, hardware and software security.
• Practices: App Tracking Transparency (ATT) lets users choose if they want to be tracked.
• Weak Points: iCloud keys are kept by Apple, which means they can access user data if needed.

According to research, Apple collects only 12 data points per user, while Google collects 39.

Google’s Privacy Approach

Google also focuses on user privacy but uses data differently.

• Security: 256-bit AES encryption, new Android privacy rules.
• Statements: Google says data is only used to improve user experience.
• Reality: Google does not sell personal data directly, but it shares it with advertisers for targeted ads. Data like location, device ID, and browsing history can be shared.

A Day in Your Data

Apple created a report called “A Day in Your Data”. It shows how companies track people online. Many data brokers collect information and create user profiles. Around 20% of children’s apps collect data without parent permission. Online ads are sold in auctions in milliseconds, based on personal data.

Android vs iOS Security

• Updates: iOS has regular updates, Android is slower because of many device makers.
• Authentication: Apple’s Face ID and Touch ID are stronger.
• App Stores: App Store has stricter rules, while Google Play is more open but riskier.
• Source Code: Android is open source, iOS is closed.

Conclusion

The main difference comes from business models:

• Google earns money from ads, so it collects more data.
• Apple earns money from devices and services, so it collects less.
• Apple gives users more control, but iCloud still has risks. Google has strong security, but because of ads, it shares more data with third parties.