Apple and 5 Other Companies Agree To New Privacy Policy Standards For Apps

It was announced today that Apple, along with Google, Amazon, HP, and Microsoft, has agreed to a new standard regarding apps that collect users personal data. The agreement will require apps that collect any form of personal data to publicly display their privacy policies. According to a statement from California Attorney General Kamala D. Harris:

The agreement with the platforms is designed to ensure that mobile apps comply with the California Online Privacy Protection Act. The Act requires operators of commercial web sites and online services, including mobile apps, who collect personally identifiable information about Californians to conspicuously post a privacy policy.

Obviously this is very relevant to Apple, since they have the biggest market for mobile apps, but having all the major players in on this agreement will have much better transparency for privacy issues.

Harris’ comment on the agreement:

“Your personal privacy should not be the cost of using mobile apps, but all too often it is..This agreement strengthens the privacy protections of California consumers and of millions of people around the globe who use mobile apps. By ensuring that mobile apps have privacy policies, we create more transparency and give mobile users more informed control over who accesses their personal information and how it is used. California has a unique commitment to protecting the privacy of our residents. Our constitution directly guarantees a right to privacy, and we will defend it. Forging this common statement of mobile privacy principles shows the power of collaboration — among government, industry and consumers — to create solutions to problems no one group can tackle alone.”