Apple recently launched iTunes 6.0.2, what appears like a minor version update of iTunes 6.0.1. However, besides their announced stability and performance improvements, the new version actually includes an iTunes MiniStore, which monitors the user's listening habits and recommends music and artists based on this gathered data. Unfortunately, Apple has not made it clear that this update also sends song listening information back to Apple. While they claim that they are not collecting data, Sony's infamous XCP already caused privacy concerns over its ability to 'phone home'.
The
Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) has said that it is happy if software would need the user to voluntarily upload listening information in order to collect listening data. However Apple's MiniStore is activated automatically by default without any notice and must be manually turned off. Worse still, even though Apple may not collect data itself, they have not clearly stated any measures to prevent data sent back from being disclosed/leaked to 3rd parties. Until Apple clearly mentions how its handles its MiniStore data, the EFF recommend that users turn off the MiniStore, such as by going into the 'Edit' menu and selecting 'Hide MniStore'.
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Among these supposed improvements is the Apple iTunes MiniStore -- a localized "recommendation" engine that looks at what you listen to and then suggests additional songs and artists you might like. The MiniStore arrives turned on by default without asking a user's permission first. What Apple didn't point out in all its hoopla over the new version is that the MiniStore not only makes recommendations but also automatically transmits your listening information over the Internet back to the Apple Mothership. |
After all the problems Sony BMG's XCP has caused between how it enforces its copy protection to privacy concerns over sending data back to Sony BMG, it seems quite unusual for Apple to risk privacy issues by sending back data on listening habits just to try to lure some extra sales, at least without getting the user to agree to enable the new feature.
Originally DRM was suppose to just prevent consumers from making
unlimited/unauthorised copies of their content. Now, it seems like
companies are abusing it in every way they can, including locking content to
certain equipment and players, restricting usage and now more often recently,
help spy on the consumer's listening habits.
Feel free to discuss about iTunes and other online music stores on our Music Download, Peer to Peer (P2P) & Legal Issues.
Source: ConsumerAffairs.com - News
