The GSMA, which represents the interests of mobile operators, has published a set of privacy design guidelines for mobile application development. A number of mobile operators in Europe have already committed to implementing the guidelines for their own-brand applications. The guidelines aim to provide consumers with more information and more control about how apps use their personal information.
Anne Bouverot, Director General of the GSMA, said “Mobile has become an incredibly important and influential tool for people around the world, regardless of age or geography. However, with this growing use come significant privacy concerns over the ability of mobile users to exercise choice and control over the use of their personal information. The publication and implementation of the Privacy Design Guidelines for Mobile Application Development will help preserve the trust and confidence of users as they navigate this new world of applications.”
Deutsche Telekom, France Telecom-Orange, Telecom Italia, Telefónica, Telekom Austria Group, Telenor Group, TeliaSonera and Vodafone are among the European operators that have started to implement the guidelines for their own mobile applications.
In a separate announcement, the GSMA announced the creation of a guide to help application developers ensure their applications are more user-friendly and network friendly. It’s also launching a Smarter Apps Challenge competition.
[GSMA Privacy Design Guidelines]