Analysts say Apple device analytics contains data to identify iCloud users

CTOnews.com, Nov. 21 (Xinhua)-- Apple's device analysis contains information that can directly link the device's usage, performance, and functionality to specific users, although this is not the case, according to a new analysis.

On Twitter, analyst Mysk found that Apple's device analysis data includes an ID named "dsId", which represents the directory service identifier. The analysis found that the "dsId" identifier is unique to each iCloud account and can be directly linked to specific users, including their name, date of birth, email and relevant information stored on iCloud.

CTOnews.com learned that on Apple's device analytics and privacy laws page, the company said that any information collected from the device for analytical purposes could not be traced back to specific users. "iPhone analysis may include details on hardware and operating system specifications, performance statistics, and data on how you use devices and applications," Apple said. "none of the information collected can identify you personally."

Apple said that if users agree to send analytics information from multiple devices logged into the same iCloud account, it may "associate some usage data about Apple apps on those devices by using end-to-end encrypted synchronization." However, Apple says that even if it does, users are still unrecognizable to Apple. Foreign media have asked Apple for comment.

Apple has always taken a tough stance on user privacy, saying repeatedly that it believes privacy is a "basic human right". Apple's privacy statement has come under increasing scrutiny in recent months, and the company is now facing a class-action lawsuit accusing it of tracking users without their consent.