Apple Updates Privacy Site to Explain How It Handles Personal Information

Apple today updated the privacy section of its website with a noticeable expansion that CEO Tim Cook said is aimed at explaining how the company handles each user's personal information, "what we do and don't collect," and why that is. In an introduction letter for the new site expansion, Cook stated that Apple has always been upfront and honest with the sharing and distribution of a user's data, only doing so when they were well aware of each time it happens. He, and the company, hopes this site continues to reassure customers of Apple's trustworthiness.

We believe in telling you up front exactly what’s going to happen to your personal information and asking for your permission before you share it with us. And if you change your mind later, we make it easy to stop sharing with us. Every Apple product is designed around those principles. When we do ask to use your data, it’s to provide you with a better user experience.

We’re publishing this website to explain how we handle your personal information, what we do and don’t collect, and why. We’re going to make sure you get updates here about privacy at Apple at least once a year and whenever there are significant changes to our policies.

The website is segmented into four different tabs, the first being "Our Approach to Privacy," detailing the process Apple takes in building privacy and encryption into everything it makes, including apps like iMessage and services like Apple Pay. "Manage Your Privacy" reminds users of the suite of tools Apple has created to ensure their own security when using an Apple device, thanks to features like Touch ID and passcode lock. The page even goes so far as to instruct customers in the steps of being aware of a phishing scam and how to limit ad-tracking on your iPhone.

In the "Government Information Requests" portion of the updated website, the company ensures that when a government agency requests data to be revealed to them from an Apple device, they "require that it be accompanied by the appropriate legal documents such as a subpoena or search warrant." The company also promises it's never worked with a government agency to install a "backdoor" into one of its devices or apps, nor has it allowed government access to its servers, stating finally that it "never will."

The final section is simply Apple's updated Privacy Policy, which the company promises to update at least once a year, or "whenever there are significant changes to our policies."