A federal judge has narrowed the scope of a lawsuit against Apple Inc. (AAPL.O), which accuses the tech giant of infringing on user privacy by collecting personal data through its proprietary apps, including the App Store, Apple Music, and Apple TV.
U.S. District Judge Edward Davila, based in San Jose, California, dismissed most claims related to the “Allow Apps to Request to Track” setting on Apple devices. However, he allowed certain allegations concerning the “Share [Device] Analytics” setting to proceed.
The lawsuit, which seeks unspecified damages, claims that Apple violated user agreements and multiple privacy and consumer protection laws by assuring users that disabling these settings would limit the collection, storage, and use of their data. Users argue that Apple failed to honor their preferences, continuing to collect and utilize their information regardless of their choices.
In a detailed 39-page ruling issued late Thursday, Judge Davila noted that Apple clearly communicated that the “Allow Apps to Request to Track” setting pertains to third-party apps and websites. He concluded that it was “implausible” for reasonable users to believe that disabling this setting would revoke consent for Apple to collect data through its own applications.
Conversely, the judge found merit in the claims related to the “Share [Device] Analytics” setting, stating that users plausibly asserted they revoked consent by disabling this feature. This finding was supported by Apple’s own disclosure, which indicated that users could completely disable the sharing of Device Analytics.
Apple, headquartered in Cupertino, California, has maintained that data collection through the “Share [Device] Analytics” setting is essential for improving its products and services.
As of now, lawyers for the plaintiffs and Apple have not responded to requests for comment regarding the ruling.
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