Palm pipes up over Pre privacy concerns

 

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By Stuart Turton

Posted on 14 Aug 2009 at 11:39

Palm has hit back at reports that its Pre smartphone invades people's privacy.

The issue was raised by Palm Pre software developer, Joey Hess, who discovered that webOS was sending information back to Palm on which applications were installed, how long they were being used for, and the current location of the handset.

The findings caused an internet furore and triggered questions over how handset makers use the data they collect about buyers. Palm initially claimed that its policies were no different to those of other handset makers and pointed people towards its privacy policy.

"When you use location based services, we will collect, transmit, maintain, process, and use your location and usage data (including both real time geographic information and information that can be used to approximate location) in order to provide location based and related services, and to enhance your device experience," it reads.

We appreciate the trust that users give us with their information, and have no intention to violate that trust

However, it's now issued a longer statement and attempted to calm concerns by pointing people towards the benefits of data collection: "Palm takes privacy very seriously, and offers users ways to turn data collecting services on and off," the statement reads.

"Our privacy policy is like many policies in the industry and includes very detailed language about potential scenarios in which we might use a customer's information, all toward a goal of offering a great user experience. For instance, when location based services are used, we collect their information to give them relevant local results in Google Maps," the statement continues.

"We appreciate the trust that users give us with their information, and have no intention to violate that trust."

The Palm Pre is currently only available in the US, though it is expected to be launched in the UK before Christmas.