Want To Opt Out of Apple’s Targeted iAds?

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With Apple’s roll out of iOS4 yesterday afternoon, the Webmonkeys have been hard at work deciphering every minute detail of the most recent iTunes and mobile OS update. For many of us, iOS4 means we’ll finally have the ability to run third party apps in the background. We’ll even be able to clump together apps into folders freeing up some much needed screen real estate. But that’s not all we’re getting with iOS4. Say hello to Apple’s targeted iAd platform.

iAds are pretty harmless like any other mobile ad platform. Sure, they’re annoying and get in the way, but if you don’t click on them then no harm done. However, the iPhone 3GS and upcoming iPhone 4 are embedded with GPS chips meaning someone out there knows where we are at all times. While we can’t opt out of location tracking, Apple does give us a way to opt out of the targeted ads that come with iAds. If you’re inclined and have the time to read Apple’s 45-page privacy policy then go right ahead, friend. But this is what you probably want to know more than anything. Although, iAds won’t be rolled out until July 1, so you do have some time to read the fine print.

Apple and its partners use cookies and other technologies in mobile advertising services to control the number of times you see a given ad, deliver ads that relate to your interests, and measure the effectiveness of ad campaigns. If you do not want to receive ads with this level of relevance on your mobile device, you can opt out by accessing the following link on your device: http://oo.apple.com. If you opt out, you will continue to receive the same number of mobile ads, but they may be less relevant because they will not be based on your interests. You may still see ads related to the content on a web page or in an application or based on other non-personal information. This opt-out applies only to Apple advertising services and does not affect interest-based advertising from other advertising networks.

That’s all well and good but I’m a bit concerned with the whole location-tracking bit. According to Apple, said data is being collected anonymously in a way that does not link my identity to my location. Fair enough, I think.

To provide location-based services on Apple products, Apple and our partners and licensees may collect, use, and share precise location data, including the real-time geographic location of your Apple computer or device. This location data is collected anonymously in a form that does not personally identify you and is used by Apple and our partners and licensees to provide and improve location-based products and services.

[iLounge]