Google responds to study that says Android collects more data than iPhone
It's no news that Google and Apple collect information and data from users through operating systems, but there is a big difference in the amount of data. In a recent study, it was found that Android (from Google) collects 20 times more data than the operating system of iPhone (iOS). Both operating systems send data to companies when a user inserts a SIM card, as well as for other simple things like browsing servers.
Nessa research, Douglas Leith shows that both systems collect data at all times, whether the user is active or inactive. The researcher also says that when started, Android devices send about 1 MB of data collected from the user to Google, while devices with the Apple, send 42 KB. Inactively, the Android sends the same 1 MB of data every 12 hours, while iOS sends 52 KB in the same time.
Google's defense
The company claims that data collection is a necessary and fundamental function for any device with internet access. Furthermore, in a statement to the Ars Technica, Google (through a spokesperson) disputed the newly published research, saying it relies on flawed methods of measuring this data collection:
“We identified flaws in the researcher’s methodology for measuring data volume and disagree with the paper’s claims that an Android device shares 20 times more data than an iPhone. Based on our research, these findings are off by an order of magnitude, and we shared our methodological concerns with the researcher prior to publication.”
The spokesman for Google further compares manufacturers’ collection of vehicle data to that of internet-enabled devices: “This research broadly describes how smartphones work. Modern cars regularly send basic data about vehicle components, their safety status, and service schedules to automakers, and mobile phones work in very similar ways. This report details these communications, which help ensure that your iOS or Android software is up to date, services are working as expected, and that your phone is secure and operating efficiently.”
A Apple also pronounced
A spokesperson for Apple also disagreed with the study and spoke out, stating that the company is transparent about the controls on personal data collected from users. He also says that Apple provides users with privacy protections, such as preventing their location from being tracked by the company.
Through which channels you reach those people, classic and out of the box. MacRumors
Image: Karolina Grabowska (Pixabay)
