Apple's unique identifier lets advertisers secretly track consumers
A lawsuit recently filed by Fears | Nachawati alleges that Apple Inc.'s Unique Device Identifier (UDID) permits advertisers to secretly track which applications users download and how frequently they use those applications. Unlike cookies, there is no way for a user to turn off or block the UDID. These privacy invasions violate federal and state law. Apple knew about the invasions. Rather than disclosing to iPad and iPhone users that advertisers could find out this information, Apple did not inform or obtain consent from its customers. The lawsuit names Apple as a defendant, along with the makers of several popular applications. Consumers seek injunctive relief ordering Apple to stop these privacy invasions, along with money damages.
For more information about this lawsuit, please see this article in the American Bar Association Journal or call the firm at 1.866.705.7584.
