French regulator starts privacy probe into Apple ad tools

The French data protection authority is investigating Apple's advertising tools, in response to a complaint from a lobbyist group claiming Apple doesn't operate a level playing field with iOS app developers when it comes to user privacy.

On March 9, lobbyist group France Digitale filed a complaint with the French National Commission on Informatics and Liberty (CNIL) alleging that Apple applies privacy policy rules against third-party iOS app developers, that it doesn't apply against itself. On Tuesday, CNIL confirmed it was looking into the matter.The regulator, which deals with privacy and data rules in France, is starting to examine the allegations, a spokesperson told Bloomberg. It is unknown how long the preliminary investigation will take, but it could lead to a more in-depth probe or requests for Apple to make changes to its systems.

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