Ahead of GDPR, Apple gives EU users a way to download their data histories

Apple has launched a new Data and Privacy website for European Union (EU) accounts, providing those users a way to download everything the company connects with their account, several media outlets reported on Wednesday. The news was originally reported by 9to5Mac.

The so-called “privacy portal” will be rolled out to all users within the next few months.

US users who click the link right now will be directed to enter their Apple ID, answer two security questions and then be directed to the current site, which allows users to correct data or temporarily or permanently delete their account.

The update comes just two days before the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) goes into full force on May 25. GDPR is a sweeping set of new data privacy rules that govern the handling of EU members’ data no matter where it occurs. Companies found in breach of GDPR can be assessed fees up to €20 million, or 4 percent of their annual revenue, whichever is higher.

On Apple’s updated privacy site, users can get a copy of all personally identifiable data associated with their Apple ID, “including account details and sign-in records and data such as contacts, calendars, notes, bookmarks, reminders, photos and documents. Apple also stores info like app usage statistics for Apple Music and Game Center, a purchase history of items bought from the App Store and iTunes Store, AppleCare support history and marketing records,” according to 9to5Mac.

On its support pages, Apple addresses the changes and geographic availability:

The complete set of self-service data and privacy tools is currently available to customers in the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. We intend to provide these capabilities to customers around the world in the coming months.

For now, customers in other countries or regions can request a correction to their data or to delete their account and associated data completely. If you live in a country or region that’s not listed above, you can still contact us to request a copy of the data that you store with Apple.

Apple also said it has conducted a comprehensive review of where data is collected and held:

As a result, Apple products now include new and updated data and privacy statements that make it easier than ever to understand how Apple will use your personal information. We show you these statements before you sign in with your Apple ID or turn on any new features that use your data.

We’re proud of our commitment to privacy and will continue to apply our industry-leading, privacy-by-design standard to ensure that great experiences don’t come at the expense of your privacy and security.

About The Author

Robin Kurzer

Robin Kurzer started her career as a daily newspaper reporter in Milford, Connecticut. She then made her mark on the advertising and marketing world in Chicago at agencies such as Tribal DDB and Razorfish, creating award-winning work for many major brands. For the past seven years, she’s worked as a freelance writer and communications professional across a variety of business sectors.