Four Democratic lawmakers in the USA they would have asked the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) to investigate the collection of personal user data from Apple and Google. A proceeding that could affect the two giants, who are in the meantime adopting more transparent measures.
The US Parliament wants to investigate Apple and Google for the processing of personal data
The news comes from The Wall Street Journal, which allegedly intercepted the letter written to the president of the FTC Lina Kahn. The US agency that regulates trade should evaluate the ‘harmful’ practices of Apple and Google regarding the tracking ID for ads.
The request comes from the democratic senatorsi Elizabeth Warren, Ron Wyden, Cory Bookertogether with the deputy Sara Jacobs. Who would like a thorough investigation into the responsibilities of the two giants with respect to the privacy of their users.
In the text of the letter we read that: “Until recently, Apple enabled a tracking ID by default and required consumers to dig into the phone’s settings to turn it off. Google still enables this tracking identifier by default and until recently it was not possible to deactivate it ”.
The parliamentarians explain that: “These identifiers have fueled the unregulated market for data brokers by creating a single piece of information linked to a device that data brokers and their clients they can use to link to other consumer data. “
The Wall Street Journal notes that Apple, especially in the last year, has introduced important innovations such as Sign in with Apple and the ATT for transparency of app tracking on iOS. And even Google in the last period is introducing news regarding the use of user data.
However, parliamentarians seem aware of the changes implemented by the two companies. But in any case they believe that users have been profiled for several years in a non-transparent way. And the FTC investigation could lead to penalties or damages from Apple and Google.
The FTC did not formally respond to US lawmakers. We will keep you informed.