Apple denies tracking iPhone's location in China

After Chinese state media said Apple’s iPhones were a threat to national security because of their ability to track and time-stamp user locations, the company released a statement on its Chinese website denying that any user data is at risk.

The iPhone function can collect data and may result in a leak of state secrets, China Central Television reported yesterday, citing Ma Ding, head of the online security institute at People’s Public Security University of China.

In response, Apple said that it has never worked with any government agency from any country to create a backdoor in any of their products or services.

"We appreciate CCTV's effort to help educate customers on a topic we think is very important," Apple said. "We want to make sure all of our customers in China are clear about what we do and we don't do when it comes to privacy and your personal data."

The tracking function is used to speed up applications designed to show iPhone users their own location or assist in driving directions to avoid traffic. It can be turned off, Apple said.

Apple stressed that its phones used GPS geolocation services for practical purposes, such as helping a user find the closest restaurant, check the weather forecast or calculate travel time to work. Users also have several tools available to deactivate their iPhone's geolocation services.

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