Apple, Google to ban X-Mode’s location tracking apps from stores

Apple, Google to ban X-Mode’s location tracking apps from stores

The decision came after a media outlet reported about data gathering and sharing tactics of location data collection firm X-Mode Social.


On Wednesday, Google confirmed that it would ban apps containing the location tracking software developed by X-Mode Social, a high-profile data broker in the US. 


The company will push out X-Mode apps from all Android devices. A similar announcement was made by Apple, which will ban the company’s app from all iOS devices.


X-Mode creates apps intended for Muslim users, such as a Quran and prayer app Muslim Pro and an online dating platform for Muslims called Muslim Mingle.


See: Google collects Android location data even if location service is off


The move comes after Motherboard published a report revealing that X-Mode has links to the US defense sector, particularly the US military and defense contractors. The report claims that X-Mode collects the location data of its users.


Reportedly, the company has implanted X-Mode tracking software in several popular apps such as Muslim Pro, which has been downloaded more than 98 million times.


The report further revealed that the company sells data to government contractors related to aspects like counterterrorism, national security, and coronavirus response.

After the report was published, Google warned X-Mode and gave the company seven days to remove the software from the apps or request for an extension in deadline if it is a complex task.


According to The Wall Street Journal, Goo ..

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