What are the ethical issues with using analytics in mobile apps?

Question

I would like to implement Google Analytics in my iPad app.

I am wondering if there are any problems with the approval process with this?

Is there a better way to allow users to disable or enable tracking?

Do you have any opinions on how to ethically track application user habits?

Answer 1

From Apple app store approval rules :

17 - Confidentiality

* 17.1

Applications cannot transmit user data without obtaining the prior permission of the user and providing the user with access to information about how and where the data will be used

* 17.2

Applications that require users to share personal information such as email address and date of birth in order to function will be rejected.

* 17.3

Applications designed for minors to collect data will be rejected

Answer 2

If you are not in BETA and the transfer of such information is part of the testing process, you should report this for one obvious reason:

You will not be tracked on your own without being notified by the supplier.

If I notice that the application collects data about my use without telling me, I delete it immediately.

However, when they ask me for permission, sometimes (depending on the application) I kindly accept, because I know that this will help developers to do it better.

Answer 3

After hearing my opinions and looking at the relevant license agreements, I will answer this question.

Analytics should not be used transparently. Tracking users without their knowledge, even if there is no "user-identifiable data," is bad.

The Apple Apple License Agreement, as well as the Google Analytics User Agreement, you must notify users that their use is monitored and how this information will be used.

Apple Insider Agreement

Google Agreement Thank you coneybeare

Basically, this means that you must submit an agreement the first time you launch the application or select the enable option in the application settings. None of them are perfect. He's always a little annoyed to get a pop-up with a license agreement, it doesn't seem clean to me. But hey, you have to protect your butt. And not many people are likely to agree to refuse.

It all comes down to carefully balancing the user interface with the ability to get an idea about the use of your application.