Attorney General Warns Mobile App Developers That Violate Privacy Laws

Mobile app developers not in compliance with California’s privacy law will receive notification letters from Attorney General Kamala D. Harris. This measure is a first step in enforcing the California Online Privacy Protection Act.

Current legislation dictates that commercial operators of online services – including social and mobile apps – which collect personal information from customers must conspicuously post a privacy policy.

According to the Attorney General, these privacy policies don’t represent just a safeguard for customers, but they also promote transparency in how companies collect, utilize and share personal information.

Organizations are warned that each time a non-compliant app is downloaded, they face fines of up to $2,500 (1,950 EUR).

The notifications sent out now target 100 popular apps that have been found to be in violation of California privacy law.

“Protecting the privacy of online consumers is a serious law enforcement matter. We have worked hard to ensure that app developers are aware of their legal obligations to respect the privacy of Californians, but it is critical that we take all necessary steps to enforce California’s privacy laws,” Harris said.

Back in February, the Attorney General made an agreement with a number of six companies – Microsoft, RIM, HP, Apple, Google and Amazon – whose platforms represent the majority of the mobile apps market. In June, Facebook also joined the agreement.

These organizations agreed to bring the industry in line with the California Online Privacy Protection Act, a piece of legislation enforced by the Privacy Enforcement and Protection Unit.

The Los Angeles Times informs that the 100 mobile apps for which notification letters have been sent out include ones for Delta and United Airlines. United representatives have responded by saying that they already have a privacy policy on their website.

Delta, on the other hand, states that it “intends to provide the requested information.”