US Congress is itching to know more about Apple’s privacy practices. On March 2, Apple responded in writing to questions about its policies. Lawmakers weren’t satisfied. They’re asking Apple for a briefing in Washington.
It all started on February 15 when the House Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade Subcommittee requested information about Apple’s mobile privacy practices. Congress is concerned that apps can collect and transmit huge amounts of user data without consent. Despite Tim Cook’s response asserting Apple’s “unwavering commitment” to user privacy, the subcommittee wants to grill the CEO in person:
We have received and reviewed the reply of Apple Inc., to our February 15, 2012, letter requesting information about your company’s app developer policies and practices to protect the privacy and security of your mobile device users’ information. We thank you for responding to our letter.
The March 2 reply we received from Apple does not answer a number of the questions we raised about the company’s efforts to protect the privacy and security of its mobile device users. In addition, subsequent to our letter, concerns have been raised about the manner in which apps can access photographs on your mobile devices and tools provided by Apple to consumers to prevent unwanted online tracking.[1] To help us understand these issues, we request that you make available representatives to brief our staff on the Energy and Commerce Committee.
Up next: Mr Cook goes to Washington. [VentureBeat]