Apple and Starlink have taken steps to address the security and privacy implications of geo-locating devices. Researchers from the University of Maryland used publicly available data from Apple to track the location of billions of devices, including non-Apple devices like Starlink systems. The research found that this data could be used to monitor the destruction of Gaza and track the movements and identities of Russian and Ukrainian troops. The issue lies in the way Apple collects and shares information about the precise location of Wi-Fi access points. Apple’s WPS provides location data to its devices, while Google’s WPS computes the user’s location and shares it with the device. The researchers discovered that the data collection poses serious privacy vulnerabilities, and they hope Apple will implement more restrictions to mitigate potential abuses.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple and Starlink address privacy concerns | Focus on privacy and security implications | Increased emphasis on privacy and security in location services. | Heightened concerns around data privacy and security. |
| Researchers track billions of devices using Apple data | Growing awareness and understanding of device tracking | More stringent regulation and restrictions on the collection and sharing of location data. | Need for increased transparency and accountability. |
| Apple and Google collect data on Wi-Fi access points | Collection and sharing of Wi-Fi access point data | Improved accuracy and efficiency in location services. | Advancements in geolocation technology. |
| Starlink terminals’ location data reveals military sites | Identification of Starlink device locations | Increased monitoring and surveillance capabilities using location data. | Potential security implications and geopolitical motives. |
| Apple and Google allow opt-out of Wi-Fi data collection | User control over Wi-Fi data collection | Greater control and transparency over the collection and sharing of Wi-Fi data. | User demand for privacy and data autonomy. |