WISCONSINREPORT.COM (04/26/2011) - In light of recent revelations in the news about some mobile devices tracking the whereabouts of users, a Wisconsin lawmaker is concerned about the privacy rights of iPhone and iPad users. State Assembly Representative Frederick Kessler of Milwaukee doesn't think disgruntled spouses, lovers, business rivals, employers, and law enforcement should have access to the information without a court order,

“Reports that Apple iPhone and iPad devices have been regularly logging location information, unbeknownst to users, for almost a year is deeply troubling, and raises significant concerns over user privacy and the security of personal data," Representative Kessler said.

"The idea that our cellular phones and personal data devices are tracking our every move, and storing this information in a format that would be easily discoverable by someone seeking to misuse it, should be alarming to anyone interested in maintaining a basic level of personal privacy in the information age,” Kessler suggested.

Kessler said “Disgruntled spouses and lovers, business rivals, and employers should not have access to such information. Even law enforcement should first receive a court order before they could obtain the tracking information,” Kessler continued.

“GPS-tracking is normally reserved for convicted criminals out on parole, not everyday citizens, and at least parolees are first informed that their movements are going to be monitored, Apple instituted its tracking program without any advanced notice to users," Kessler said.

Wisconsin Assembly Representative Kessler wants the Apple company to give a full explanation about the tracking capabilities of it's products.

"Apple must explain why it quietly began tracking user movements last year, and what possible reason it had for doing so," Kessler says.

"While there may be an innocent explanation for this breach of user privacy, Apple should provide assurances that tracking software will be disabled going forward and that greater security measures will be implemented to protect personal device data from being exploited by others without the user’s knowledge,” Kessler said.


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