Google disabled Apple's iPhone app privacy rules violating app

According to latest news reports, Google distributed an app that monitors users iPhone’s usage much like Facebook’s Research app. Google has now disabled that app on Apple’s app store after it was revealed today that the app violated the iPhone App privacy rules, but it is still available on Google’s Play store.

The app, called Screenwise Meter, allows users who opt into Google’s Opinion Rewards program, gift cards in exchange for tracking their internet usage data. Anyone above 18 can opt to use the program, but users 13 and up can join if they are in the same household unlike Facebook’s Research app, which specifically targeted people between the ages of 13 and 25.

The iOS version of the app relies on Apple’s enterprise program which allows for the distribution of internal apps within a company. Apple says that “these apps should only be used by a company’s employees, and companies that violate the policy could be banned, having all their internal apps disabled.” That’s exactly what happened to Facebook today.

Google spokesperson said in a statement:

The Screenwise Meter iOS app should not have operated under Apple’s developer enterprise program — this was a mistake, and we apologize.
We have disabled this app on iOS devices. This app is completely voluntary and always has been. We’ve been upfront with users about the way we use their data in this app, we have no access to encrypted data in apps and on devices, and users can opt out of the program at any time.

The big question here is, Will Google face the same reaction as Facebook by Apple?