Apple has updated its App Review Guidelines, introducing stricter rules for developers regarding the sharing of user data with third-party artificial intelligence services. This marks the first instance of Apple's guidelines specifically mentioning the term "AI," signaling the company's increased focus on the technology.

The core change requires app developers to explicitly disclose when and with whom personal user data will be shared, including any third-party AI models. Developers must also obtain clear and direct permission from users before any such data sharing occurs.

Stricter Consent Required

Under the "Data Use and Sharing" section of the guidelines, the new mandate is a direct response to the growing problem across the tech sector where AI systems are developed using consumer information without authorization. This means developers must now detail how information like conversational data or personal details are used and which AI models will receive it.

Previously, Apple's rules required user consent for data sharing in general, but the updated language now specifically includes "third-party AI" as an entity for which this disclosure is necessary. The guidelines state that data collected may only be passed to third parties for the express purposes of either app improvement or advertising. (Source: cnet.com)

Enforcement and Consequences

This could also result in the developer's termination from the Apple Developer Program. The move is seen as a way to reassure users that apps on the App Store will not secretly collect their information to train large language models without their express permission. (Source: indiatimes.com)

What's Your Opinion?

Do you think these new rules from Apple go far enough to protect user data from AI companies? Will this change how you use apps on your iPhone? What other steps should tech companies take to ensure data privacy in the age of AI?