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First off, when you install an application on Android it tells you every permission that an app asks for, i.e.: Location Data Contacts Etc As a developer of m

by jlgosse 16y ago

First off, when you install an application on Android it tells you every permission that an app asks for, i.e.: Location Data Contacts Etc As a developer of mobile apps and a user of both flurry and AdMob, I send them a both user's "data" in order to find out the general location of the user, as well as the OS they are running and the device they own. This isn't "selling" their data, it's giving it to these analytics platforms so we can view our audience and therefore allow us to better serve our users/customers. The same hoopla can be brought up about Google Analytics and AdWords. This isn't a new phenomenon, and it isn't a big deal.

jonknee 16y ago
GPS location and device UUID is a lot different than IP geo-location and cookie that Google Analytics uses. It's also not possible to block--I block Google Analytics and sometimes use proxies, but can't tell Angry Birds to not send out my info.
- Que 16y ago
  You are correct, it is different. IP Geo-Location is a hack for when GPS Location and uniqueID aren't available, so the prudent choice to gain accurate analytic info would be to use the most accurate. Especially if you are a developer / publisher trying to tailor your functionality to your particular audience. Android does inform you, in advance of installation of exactly what information the application would like access to so you can be absolutely aware of what information you are freely giving up when installing an application. Your only means to block access however after installation is if you have root access and modify host entries.
mikeryan 16y ago
I believe Apple's TOS doesn't allow you to use location data if you're only using it for advertising purposes. This of course wouldn't preclude admob from doing IP Geolocation but I really have no idea how accurate this is on mobile devices.
- uxp 16y ago
  The IP addresses I commonly get assigned on my iPhone with AT&T are either geo-located in Kansas (166.205.x.x) or Southern California (166.134.x.x). I actually reside somewhere in the middle of those points, but close to a thousand miles from either.
Tichy 16y ago
It's not "selling" because it is useful to you?

by jlgosse 16y ago

jonknee 16y ago

GPS location and device UUID is a lot different than IP geo-location and cookie that Google Analytics uses. It's also not possible to block--I block Google Analytics and sometimes use proxies, but can't tell Angry Birds to not send out my info.

Que 16y ago
You are correct, it is different. IP Geo-Location is a hack for when GPS Location and uniqueID aren't available, so the prudent choice to gain accurate analytic info would be to use the most accurate. Especially if you are a developer / publisher trying to tailor your functionality to your particular audience. Android does inform you, in advance of installation of exactly what information the application would like access to so you can be absolutely aware of what information you are freely giving up when installing an application. Your only means to block access however after installation is if you have root access and modify host entries.

mikeryan 16y ago

I believe Apple's TOS doesn't allow you to use location data if you're only using it for advertising purposes. This of course wouldn't preclude admob from doing IP Geolocation but I really have no idea how accurate this is on mobile devices.

uxp 16y ago
The IP addresses I commonly get assigned on my iPhone with AT&T are either geo-located in Kansas (166.205.x.x) or Southern California (166.134.x.x). I actually reside somewhere in the middle of those points, but close to a thousand miles from either.

Tichy 16y ago

It's not "selling" because it is useful to you?