Apple Lays Out Location Collection Policies

Most of the information in Apple's response to the senators is "context," rather than direct response to their questions. Asked whether it shares data collected from iPhones or iPads with AT&T or other telecom carriers, Apple simply said "no."

The senators also asked if Apple believes its policies are consistent with the intent of Section 222 of the Telecommunications Act, which requires operators to get authorization before accessing users' wireless location information.

Apple replied that while it believes its policies are consistent with Section 222, it isn't a telecommunications operator so it is not subject to the rules.

Not only does Section 222 specifically apply to operators, in terms of location information it only applies to the location of someone making a call from a mobile or VoIP service, said Kevin Bankston, senior staff attorney at the Electronic Frontier Foundation.