Apple's recent revelations about location data collection on their software is costing them trust and possibly business in the US.
44% of smartphone owners distrust Apple with their personally sensitive information - social security number, home address and current locations - and over a third (37%), said the incident has persuaded them to consider buying another brand. 15% thought that they would definitely look to purchase another brand.
Despite the recent media blitz about privacy, only 18% of Americans have made any changes to their wireless settings. The group most likely to change their settings are the 18-30 age group where 33% said they would be making changes.
In terms of general confidence, the wireless companies fared better than Internet brands. Verizon Wireless and AT&T were distrusted by 40% and 39% respectively with the private information of smartphone users. 67% of Facebook users distrusted the company with their personal information. 46% stated that they "fully distrust" Facebook with the information.
Facebook’s consumer perception with adults 18+ has been hit hard every time it makes significant changes to its functional settings, according to YouGov BrandIndex.
When asked what would make them more comfortable about mobile location tracking in smartphones, respondents replied:
The survey was conducted by YouGov between 2nd and 5th May 2011. The survey was restricted to the owners of smartphones.
