WATCH ABOVE: Privacy conscious users are upset with Apple, after concerns surrounding how data is collected through its Mac operating system were raised on social media.
TORONTO – Apple has clarified its data collection practices after Mac users raised concerns that the company was storing user location and search data through its latest operating system.
Shortly after OS X 10.10 Yosemite’s release, users began tweeting about privacy concerns surrounding the improved Spotlight search function in the operating system.
Spotlight search – identified by the little magnifying glass at the top right hand corner of the desktop – allows users to search their computer for files, photos and other data. The tool was updated in OS X Yosemite to allow users to search the web and in return get suggestions for relevant website from search engines like Microsoft’s Bing.
READ MORE: Top 5 most useful features coming to your Mac with OS X Yosemite
The concerns stemmed from a privacy notice posted to Apple’s website, noting that users’ search queries, location data and “related usage data” will be sent to Apple’s servers.
“When you use Spotlight, your search queries, the Spotlight Suggestions you select, and related usage data will be sent to Apple. Search results found on your Mac will not be sent. If you have Location Services on your Mac turned on, when you make a search query to Spotlight the location of your Mac at that time will be sent to Apple,” reads the privacy notice.
Some users took to social media to criticize the feature – some alleging Apple was spying on their location and sharing their data with Microsoft.
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But, in a statement issued to Global News Tuesday, Apple said it doesn’t retain identifying information – including user’s IP addresses – when using Spotlight Suggestions.
“Spotlight blurs the location on the device so it never sends an exact location to Apple. Spotlight doesn’t use a persistent identifier, so a user’s search history can’t be created by Apple or anyone else,” read the statement.
“We also worked closely with Microsoft to protect our users’ privacy. Apple forwards only commonly searched terms and only city-level location information to Bing.”
Apple specifies in its original privacy notice that, “location, search queries, and usage information sent to Apple will be used by Apple only to make Spotlight Suggestions more relevant.”
Global News reached out to Apple Canada for further comment on the issues; however, a request for comment was not immediately returned.
Users are able to opt out of Spotlight Suggestions. However, as the backlash over Spotlight suggestions calms down, some have suggested that Apple be more transparent about allowing users to opt into similar features.
Apple has been working hard to maintain an image of a trustworthy tech company, especially following Edward Snowden’s revelations that the National Security Agency has been snooping on emails and other communications as part of an effort to identify terrorists.
READ MORE: Google and Apple focus on encryption, security
In September, Apple put an emphasis on its privacy practices with a new section of its website dedicated to explaining how it manages user privacy and handles things like government information requests.
“At Apple, your trust means everything to us. That’s why we respect your privacy and protect it with strong encryption, plus strict policies that govern how all data is handled,” wrote CEO Tim Cook in an open letter to users.
“We believe in telling you up front exactly what’s going to happen to your personal information and asking for your permission before you share it with us. And if you change your mind later, we make it easy to stop sharing with us.”
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