Apple iPad
Review date: 11/02/2020
Ah, the iPad. The tablet that changed how we watch TV in bed, how children eat dinner at restaurants, and how our parents take pictures. From the little iPad Mini to the 12.9 inch iPad Pro, there is likely no easier to use computer device known to the human race.
What could happen if something goes wrong
Apple does a good job with privacy and security. They don't share or sell your data and Apple takes special care to make sure your Siri requests aren't associated with you.However, say you set your iPad up with a passcode rather than fingerprint TouchID. Your kid could sneak and learn the passcode to your iPad, then login while you're not looking and watch enough YouTube videos to turn their brain to mush. Hey, don't tell us that's never happened!
Privacy
Can it snoop on me?
Camera
Device: Yes
App: N/A
Microphone
Device: Yes
App: N/A
Tracks Location
Device: Yes
App: N/A
What is required to sign up?
Yes
Phone
No
Third party account
No
What data does it collect?
Personal
Name, email, phone number, address
Biometric
Fingerprint, Voice recordings if you opt-in
Social
Contact list
How does it use this data?
How can you control your data?
What is the company’s known track record for protecting users’ data?
They actually changed their Siri voice recording review practices—from an opt out to an opt-in—when people told them they were unhappy having contractors listen to the recordings. Good for them!
Can this product be used offline?
User friendly privacy information?
Links to privacy information
Security
Does this product meet our Minimum Security Standards?
Encryption
Uses encryption in transit and at rest. After Apple recognizes the words “Hey Siri,” what you say is encrypted and associated with a random identifier without being tied to your Apple ID. Audio samples are only retained if you have opted-in.
Strong password
Security updates
Manages vulnerabilities
Apple has a bug bounty program, which means that anyone who finds a security issue and discloses it responsibly may get paid. https://developer.apple.com/security-bounty/
Privacy policy
Apple has a webpage highlighting its privacy principles and features. Apple begins its privacy policy with a statement of principles. While this statement is very long, it is clearly broken out into relevant topics.
Artificial Intelligence
Does the product use AI?
Does the AI use your personal data to make decisions about you?
Does the company allow users to see how the AI works?
Apple employs machine learning in many different ways, from using it to to improve Siri to using it to sharpen the photos that you take. Apple states in its privacy policy, "Apple does not take any decisions involving the use of algorithms or profiling that significantly affect you." Some of its research can be found at https://machinelearning.apple.com/
