Apple has explained that the iPhone tracking feature cannot be used to spy on an individual, as recently claimed by a Chinese television station.
On Friday, the China Central Television (CCTV) broadcasted that the tracking feature on Apple's iPhone is capable of collecting data regarding an individual's activities and this can be used in accessing and leaking state secrets. The report also criticized the "frequent locations" functions in the iOS 7 which captures users' time and location, the Wall Street Journal reported.
Apple didn't immediately respond to the claim. But, on Saturday, the Cupetino, Calif., company broke its silence and denied the allegation.
"We appreciate CCTV's effort to help educate customers on a topic we think is very important," the company said in the statement, quoted by Businessweek. "We want to make sure all of our customers in China are clear about what we do and we don't do when it comes to privacy and your personal data."
CCTV also criticized other U.S. companies, including Facebook, Google, and Microsoft and stated they can also be used for cyberspying and hacking.
In June, a commentary published on the "People's Daily" newspaper stated Google, Facebook, Microsoft, and Apple are working with the United States government to spy on China's state affairs. CCTV also reported a provincial government in the country was discouraged from acquiring computers with Windows 8 because the operating system could be used in accessing the Chinese government's secret information.
CCTV is an influential television channel in China. According to the Wall Street Journal, some companies were forced to recall their products or change their policies after the channel's crtiques. It's uncertain if Apple will follow suit, butApple CEO Tim Cook has apologized for allegedly discriminating against the Chinese last year regarding warranty policies.
