Image via WikipediaIn response to the increasingly growing concerns and controversies about the mobile phone companies and operators tracking users’ location data, the Federal Communications Commission has invited Apple, Google and other consumer advocates to join in a forum scheduled in late June. The FCC made the announcement this Tuesday, declaring that it will be weighing the critical risks and benefits of the controversial location-based services through a "public education forum" on 28th of June, 2011. This forum will be seating the representatives of wireless carriers, other technology companies and consumer advocacy groups.It was revealed just last month by two researchers that Apple's famous iPhones collect every user’s location data and store it in a vulnerable file within the device memory. The location data is saved for as long as a complete year, even at the time when the location software has been turned off. These allegations, along with the provided evidence, have led to a very curious reaction from the consumers as they demand a scrutiny of privacy regulations over the location data collection. On the other hand, the number one rival of Apple, Google has also came across the same criticism as its widely used mobile platform, Android, also faces similar allegations. Google has been accused to be tracking the location data of its users through their Android-based phones.
Lawmakers are certainly worried about the situation and have already alleged that technology companies might not be doing their best to protect the privacy of their customers. They are largely concerned that these companies have become severely greedy as they gain more profit by selling this location data to their potential advertisers. However, it is not yet explicit whether this forum will be considered into forming any legislative or regulatory rules regarding location based services afterwards or not.
The FCC has shown its concern that despite the technology being one of the most promising field today, it still holds its concerns that consumers are being kept unaware of what and how data about them is being collected and what is being done with it.
FCC gave an official statement in these words: "While the use of location data has spurred innovation, the FCC's National Broadband Plan recognizes that consumer apprehension about privacy can also act as a barrier to the adoption and utilization of broadband and mobile devices," the FCC said in a statement.
The Federal Trade Commission will personally be participating in the forum as well, as it intends to use this session to not only have public comments but also to produce a staff report on location-based tracking.
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