Apple will now let any U.S.-based user download all the data the company has on you

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While companies like Facebook and Google continue to get caught collecting user data for nefarious purposes, it seems Apple is moving in another direction. The iPhone maker is now making it easier for its users to see what type of personal information has been collected over the years. It’s also making it simple to correct data that might be wrong.

In the coming days, Apple’s revising its Data and Privacy Policy webpage for users in the United States, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. Once changed, the page will give users a link to receive a copy of their data from apps and services. This report will include purchase and app usage history, plus information on the type of data the company stores, such as calendars, photos, and documents.

What all is included in the report from Apple

According to a support document, it could take as long as seven days for Apple to provide this information after receiving a request. In total, your data report will contain:

• Your ID account details and sign-in records
• Data that you store with iCloud such as contacts, calendars, notes, bookmarks, reminders, email, photos, videos, and document
• App usage information, as it relates to use of iCloud, Apple Music, Game Center and other services

In addition to the data listed above, Apple will also provide you with a record of the items you have purchased or downloaded through the App Store, iTunes, and Apple Books, as well as browsing history from those stores. Retail store purchases and support transactions are also included. Finally, the report will list records of marketing communications and preferences.

Back in May, the company began offering similar information to users in the European Union and elsewhere due to the implementation of the General Data Protection Regulation, or GDPR. It’s great to see that it is now providing this tool to its users elsewhere too.

For more information on how Apple handles user data, visit the company’s Privacy website.

Do you plan on using the new tool? Let us know below.

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Bryan M. Wolfe

Bryan considers himself a well-rounded techie, having written articles for MakeUseOf, KnowTechie, AppAdvice, iDownload Blog. When he's not writing, he's being a single dad and rooting for his alma mater, Penn State, or cheering on the Patriots.