Apple and Google have banned X-Mode Social, a major data broker, from collecting location data from users whose phones run iOS and Android, reports Business Insider Africa. The move comes after Apple and Google drew criticism from lawmakers that X-Mode sells user’s location data to U.S. defense contractors, military, and intelligence agencies, undermining Americans’ privacy rights.
- Apple and Google require developers to remove X-Mode’s tracking software from their apps, or they could get cut off from Apple’s App Store and Google’s Play Store.
- Apple has given developers two weeks to comply while Google is sending a 7-day warning to developers using the X-Mode SDK.
- Apps that need more time due to the complexity of their implementation can request up to 30 days to comply, after which they will be removed from Play.
- X-Mode is trying to get information from Apple and Google on why its tracking software is different from what other location data companies collect.
- The ban means that Apple and Google are setting a precedent that they can determine private enterprises’ ability to collect and use mobile app data.
- Other private data brokers have faced pushback in recent months for similar sales of Americans’ location data to U.S. government agencies and contractors.
Apple and Google stocks are currently declining. AAPL: NASDAQ is down 0.60% on premarket, GOOGL: NASDAQ is down 0.32% on premarket.
