Apple vs. Google: A Privacy Comparison
The real cost of using Google.
Who do you trust with your data?
Google or Apple?
How much data are they really collecting? And what are they doing with it?
Well, I did some digging and the results are shocking.
Google is collecting 39 data points on each user while Apple is only collecting 12, Facebook collects just 2 more data points than Apple! Why does everybody hate Facebook again?
But that’s not all, we’re gonna find out how these companies are using and sharing your personal data and the impact it has on your privacy. Are you ready to uncover the truth behind data collection in the tech industry?
Buckle up, this is going to be a wild ride!
Data collection
Google collects a wider range of data about its users compared to Apple, including information from search queries, location data, and data from third-party websites and apps that use Google’s advertising and analytics services.
This extensive data collection allows Google to personalize its services and improve the user experience, but it also raises privacy concerns.
Google collects 39 data points about each user, compared to Apple’s 12 data points. Interestingly, Facebook collects just two more data points than Apple, according to StockApp analysis.
Who can sell your data
Google’s privacy policy lets the company use and share personal data, including for targeted ads and selling it to third parties for marketing.
The policy doesn’t explicitly prohibit selling personal data to third parties for marketing. Apple’s privacy policy states the company won’t sell personal data to third parties for marketing purposes.
This commitment protects privacy, ensuring data isn’t used beyond what’s outlined in the policy. The difference in the privacy policies of Google and Apple may be due to their different business models.
Follow the money.
Google generates significant revenue from advertising, using data for targeted advertising as part of this business model.
Apple’s business model centers around selling products and services and doesn’t rely on advertising as a primary revenue source. As a result, Apple may prioritize protecting user privacy and be less willing to sell personal data to third parties.
Opting out of data collection
One major difference between the two companies is the ability for users to opt-out of data collection. Apple allows users to opt-out of most data collection, giving them greater control over their privacy.
On the other hand, Google does not offer this option for many of its services, meaning that users have less control over the data that is collected about them.
- Ad tracking: Apple allows users to opt out of data collection by enabling “Limit Ad Tracking” in the Privacy section of their device’s settings. This feature prevents Apple from using data collected from apps and websites to serve users targeted ads.
- Access control: Apple also allows users to control the data that is shared with third-party apps by going to the Privacy section of their device’s settings and selecting the app that they want to manage. From here, users can choose what data the app has access to.
Google has similar controls, but they are not nearly as robust.
When using Google Search, users cannot opt-out of data collection as it is necessary for the service to function. Google Maps collects location data in order to provide directions and other location-based features, and users cannot opt out of this data collection.
Data encryption
Both Apple and Google use data collection to improve their products and services, but Google’s policy also allows for the use of data for targeted advertising.
This means that Google may use users’ data to serve them targeted ads, while Apple’s policy states that it will not use data for this purpose.
- Apple has better control over the data it stores and can protect it better because it stores the encryption keys for its iCloud service on its own servers. Google stores the keys on third-party servers.
- Apple uses end-to-end encryption, which only allows the user access to certain sensitive data. Google does not offer this for Google Drive.
- Apple has stricter policies for third-party app developers and requires user consent before sharing data. Google has less strict policies and may share data without consent.
- Apple has a good track record for protecting user privacy, while Google has faced criticism for its data collection.
Data retention policies
Apple’s policy states that it will retain personal data only for as long as necessary to provide services. This means that the company will not keep users’ data for any longer than necessary, which helps to protect their privacy.
This is typically no longer than 30 days.
In contrast, Google’s policy allows up to 26 months.
A privacy nightmare.
Access to personal data
Apple’s policy specifies that it will request explicit consent before giving access to sensitive data, such as health or financial information.
This is a strong commitment to protecting users’ privacy, as it ensures that sensitive information will not be collected without their explicit permission.
In contrast, Google’s policy is quite vague about whether or not it will request consent before giving access to personal data.
That was an eye-opening look into the world of data collection and privacy in the tech industry.
We’ve learned that Google collects a vast amount of data on its users, while Apple takes a more reserved approach.
But remember, knowledge is power and now that you’re informed, it’s up to you to decide which approach to data collection you’re comfortable with.
So, go into your settings, review your privacy options, and make sure you’re fully in control of your data. And for those who are feeling extra savvy, consider using end-to-end encryption and opting out of data collection where possible to ensure your personal information stays personal.
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