All in the name of science – firms using data for research, but should users have control

Last year, while announcing a new series of Apple Watch, Tim Cook was careful not to dawdle on how data would be collected and how it would be shared. In fact, in a brilliant strategy, it was time and again re-emphasised that the data collection was in the interest of research. Of course, Apple being Apple did mention that data would be anonymised and collected only after user consent. But then who would not consent to science.

This year’s online event was no different. Apple, repeatedly, harped on the fact that privacy was an essential area of focus for the company, and would not be breached in pursuit of gains. Apple is not the only company to regurgitate on privacy, TikTok, after accusations of handing consumer data to the Chinese government is looking at shifting headquarters.