萬國法律事務所

Taipei City Government has requested Apple to explain by 22 April 2011 whether the tracking function of the iOS used in Apple’s iPhone and iPad violates the protection of personal information. Taiwan’s Consumer Protection Commission indicates that any consumers who have concerns may file complaints to a Consumer Ombudsman.

Based on news reports in other countries, iPhone and iPad keep a record on the times and the locations of the devices without the knowledge of their users. The Law and Regulation Commissioner of Taipei City, Ching-Yuan Yeh, stated that iPhones can track the whereabouts of users and store the data in a file in the phone. When the user synchronizes the phone and the computer, the data is copied to the computer. Software exists that can read the data and obtain information on the locations where the devices have been taken.

Taipei City Government has notified Apple to provide an explanation and if Apple refuses to cooperate, the company will be subject to a fine in an amount between NT$ 30,000 to NT$ 300,000 according to the Consumer Protection Act. Moreover, any consumers that have concerns regarding his/her privacy interests may file a complaint to a local Consumer Ombudsman.