Apple allowing customers in the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand to download copies of their personal data
Following the introduction of the tool in Europe earlier in the year, Apple today has expanded its Data & Privacy portal into the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
The tools allow users to check and download data stored on Apple’s servers, including app usage history, calendars, reminders, photos, and documents stored in iCloud, Apple Music and Game Center statistics, marketing history, and AppleCare support history.
Apple initially launched the Data & Privacy portal for customers in Europe, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland in May 2018 to comply with new European GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) rules that mean companies, including Apple, must give customers/users greater control of their personal data.
Although the rollout today is limited to four new countries, Apple said the service would be made available worldwide in the coming months.
The download of personal data through Apple’s Data & Privacy portal isn’t instant. Users can request copies of their information online today, and will receive an email within seven days to let them know once their files are ready to download.