Photo management
iCloud Photos privacy rating
Apple's photo and video library sync built into the Photos app on Apple devices, with iCloud for Windows and web access. Photos are end-to-end encrypted only with the optional Advanced Data Protection setting, which is off by default.
Summary
iCloud Photos scores 60 out of 100 (grade C) on the photo management criteria. It meets 2 of 4 criteria: no trackers or telemetry and no ads or data sales. It partly meets independent audit. It does not meet open source. It is based in the United States: Five Eyes member; subject to the US CLOUD Act.
Score 60 out of 100. How scoring works
Criteria
- No
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Yes
No trackers or telemetry Weight 3 of 3
Are the website and apps free of third-party trackers, with any analytics anonymous and any telemetry off by default?
Device and iCloud analytics are only shared with Apple if the user agrees, and no third-party trackers are included.
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Yes
No ads or data sales Weight 2 of 3
Is the product funded without advertising, ad targeting or selling user data?
Funded by iCloud+ subscriptions and device sales, with no ads in iCloud Photos. Apple states it does not sell personal data.
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Partial
Independent audit Weight 2 of 3
Has an independent security or privacy audit been published within the last three years?
Apple's internet services, including iCloud, have yearly ISO 27001 and 27018 certification audits, but only the certificates are public.