iPhone Apps Are Recording Your Actions Without Permission

It is reported that iPhone apps are recording the way you use them without asking you first.

The report was published by TechCrunch on Wednesday, mentioned several companies including Abercrombie & Fitch, Hollister, Singapore Airlines, Hotels.com, Expedia, and Air Canada.

Apparently, these apps embed “session replay” software created by Glassbox that allows developers to record phone screens to see the way people use the apps. So every interaction you make with the app is captured through screenshots.

While the app is supposed to hide private data in the screenshots, the App Analyst discovered that the app of Air Canada is not following this.

TechCrunch noted that a few firms sent the data they obtained to Glassbox, but others transfer the data to their own domain’s server. However, their privacy policies do not say anything about recording users’ screen, as reported by TechCrunch.

Abercrombie said to TechCrunch that using Glassbox’s software, it can detect as well as address whatever problems users may have during their experience.

Singapore Airlines mobile app

In another case, Singapore Airlines sent an email to CNET, saying that it used the data to diagnose and solve troubles. According to the statement from the company’s spokesperson:

The spokesperson continued by stressing their concern over user data privacy and that the company takes reasonable measures and regular reviews to ensure the safety and protection for personal information.

Expedia claimed that Glassbox is not used in any of its native apps developed for Android and iOS devices. Stated in an emailed, the company’s spokesperson said that although Glassbox still exists in selected native apps for Android, it has been blocked for a while now and not capturing information.

Neither Apple nor the mentioned companies had an immediate response to requests for comments.