Apple today updated its privacy website with a new “Tags” section that brings together privacy tags for all Apple apps in one place, making it easier for users to access how Apple apps manage their personal data.
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Apple has already provided privacy labels for its apps since its launch last year, but on individual support pages, so this new “Tags” section makes it easy to view labels in one place and in alphabetical order. Privacy tags are available for Apple apps on iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS and tvOS, so some apps like GarageBand appear multiple times. Apple has also included labels for developer tools like Xcode and even the App Store itself, providing a very comprehensive level of privacy information.
Apple points out that users will not find data under “Data used to track you” for its applications because Apple does not track users. Apple says it maintains a higher standard than all other developers, who will be allowed to track users if they get permission through the app’s transparency tracking framework, which will be applied starting with iOS 14.5.
Apple introduced privacy labels in the App Store in December, giving users an overview of the types of data an app can collect and whether the information is used to track them or is related to their identity or device. These tags appear in App Store listings for third-party applications and downloadable Apple apps, such as Apple Podcasts, while embedded non-removable apps, such as Messaging, have tags on the Apple website.
Apple has asked developers to fill out privacy tags when sending new apps and app updates to the App Store in early December, but the tags work on an honor system. Apple has previously said it “performs routine and ongoing audits of the information provided” and is working with developers to correct any inaccuracies, adding that non-compliant applications may eventually face removal from the App Store.