In today’s Quick Hits, we explore the fallout from yesterday’s revelation that Apple was storing location data on users via a hidden file in iPhone and iPad devices. We also discuss privacy issues in Europe and the United States.

–

Democrats Push Apple for Explanation Over Storing iPhone and iPad Location Data

Congress is looking for answers from the technology giant Apple after two researchers discovered that the company’s iPhone and iPad devices were secretly storing location data about users. According to The Hill, Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) and Rep. Jay Inslee (D-Wash.) have called on Apple to explain why the file was in place. In a letter, Franken rightly noted that “There are numerous ways in which this information could be abused by criminals and bad actors.” Sen. Franken has also been a leader in other online privacy issues on Capitol Hill.

The Fallacy of the ‘Nothing to Hide’ Argument

In an interesting column for ZDNet Zack Whittaker explains why the “I’ve got nothing to hide” argument against Internet privacy protections is flawed. Whittaker also touches on some of his research into government surveillance, which informs much of his argument that our understanding of privacy is “innately flawed.”

Glee Cast Member Spoils Show on Twitter

A cast member from the popular TV show Glee is in hot water with fans and producers after she spoiled an important plot point from an upcoming episode of the show on Twitter. The woman, who is a regular extra on the show, revealed who would become prom king and queen on the show. Not long after tweeting the information, the woman received a public Twitter response from Glee producer Brad Falchuk who said, “hope you’re qualified to do something besides work in entertainment.”

Belgium Investigates Google Over Street View

Taking a cue from its European neighbors. Belgium has opened a privacy investigation into Google over the company’s Street View service. According to the AP, “Belgian prosecutors are investigating Google Inc. for collecting data from private wireless networks while it built its Street View application.” More than 30 countries have filed complaints against Google over improper data collection.

Many UK Data Breaches Go Unpunished

Silicon.com reports that, “the UK’s privacy watchdog has fined fewer than one per cent of organisations reported for breaching the Data Protection Act (DPA) since it gained new powers in April last year.” The low number of fines issued by the organization raises questions over whether such an agency offers meaningful consumer protection via financial penalties.