Apple does not go out of its way when it comes to touting the merits of its devices in terms of security. The firm has even launched an entire campaign intended to demonstrate the superiority of its system over the competition in this area. However, the “anonymous” usage data collected by Apple for certain in-house applications would include something to identify their users. This is in any case what the conclusions of the developers of the Mysk team would demonstrate.
An identifier linked to its user
We learn that some applications contain a directory services identifier (Directory Services Identifier, or DSID) allowing the brand to make the link with your Apple and iCloud identifiers (which contains your name, your email address, etc.) and at the same time to associate your activity and your browsing habits.
This situation would still be relevant on iOS 16 and throws some vagueness on the real situation surrounding the anonymization of the data transmitted to Apple. The company also sends this identifier to other applications, which further complicates the situation.
Collection continues even when you no longer want it
Moreover, according to these same developers, Apple had already allowed itself on iOS 14.6 to collect large amounts of app activity logs through the App Store, even after users have completely disabled the ability to collect this information.
Among the information obtained by Apple, we find the model of the smartphone, the language used by the keyboard, the storage capacity as well as details that can identify the user. A class action lawsuit has been filed by California users concerned about their data privacy as a result of these findings.