# 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.

- Website: https://support.apple.com/en-us/108782
- Jurisdiction: United States. Five Eyes member. Subject to the US CLOUD Act.
- Platforms: macOS, iOS, Windows, Web
- Home page trackers: none found
- Category: [Photo management](https://privacyratings.com/photo-management/)
- Also rated: [iCloud Mail](https://privacyratings.com/email-providers/icloud-mail/) (Email providers), [Hide My Email](https://privacyratings.com/email-forwarding/hide-my-email/) (Email forwarding and aliases), [Apple Mail](https://privacyratings.com/email-clients/apple-mail/) (Email clients), [Safari](https://privacyratings.com/browsers/safari/) (Browsers), [Apple App Store](https://privacyratings.com/app-stores/apple-app-store/) (App stores), [Apple Passwords](https://privacyratings.com/password-managers/apple-passwords/) (Password managers), [FileVault](https://privacyratings.com/file-encryption/filevault/) (File encryption), [iMessage](https://privacyratings.com/messengers/imessage/) (Messengers), [FaceTime](https://privacyratings.com/video-calls/facetime/) (Video calls), [iOS](https://privacyratings.com/mobile-operating-systems/ios/) (Mobile operating systems), [macOS](https://privacyratings.com/desktop-operating-systems/macos/) (Desktop operating systems), [Spotlight](https://privacyratings.com/launchers/spotlight/) (App launchers), [Apple Notes](https://privacyratings.com/notes/apple-notes/) (Notes), [Apple Journal](https://privacyratings.com/journaling/apple-journal/) (Journaling apps), [Apple iWork](https://privacyratings.com/office-suites/apple-iwork/) (Office suites), [QuickTime Player](https://privacyratings.com/screen-recording/quicktime-player/) (Screenshots and screen recording), [Apple Books](https://privacyratings.com/ebook-readers/apple-books/) (Ebook readers), [Apple Dictation](https://privacyratings.com/speech-to-text/apple-dictation/) (Dictation and transcription), [iCloud Drive](https://privacyratings.com/cloud-storage/icloud-drive/) (Encrypted cloud storage), [Apple Maps](https://privacyratings.com/maps/apple-maps/) (Maps and navigation), [SwiftUI](https://privacyratings.com/app-frameworks/swiftui/) (Cross-platform app frameworks), [Apple Home](https://privacyratings.com/smart-home/apple-home/) (Smart home), [Apple Watch](https://privacyratings.com/wearables/apple-watch/) (Wearables and health), [Apple Health Cycle Tracking](https://privacyratings.com/period-trackers/apple-health-cycle-tracking/) (Period trackers), [Apple Music](https://privacyratings.com/music-streaming/apple-music/) (Music streaming)
- Grade: C (60/100)

## Criteria

| Criterion | Answer | Note | Evidence |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Open source | No | Closed source. |  |
| No trackers or telemetry | Yes | Device and iCloud analytics are only shared with Apple if the user agrees, and no third-party trackers are included. | https://www.apple.com/legal/privacy/data/en/device-analytics/ |
| No ads or data sales | Yes | Funded by iCloud+ subscriptions and device sales, with no ads in iCloud Photos. Apple states it does not sell personal data. | https://www.apple.com/legal/privacy/en-ww/ |
| Independent audit | Partial | Apple's internet services, including iCloud, have yearly ISO 27001 and 27018 certification audits, but only the certificates are public. | https://support.apple.com/guide/certifications/apple-internet-services-security-apc34d2c0468b/web |

Source: https://privacyratings.com/photo-management/icloud-photos/
Edit: https://github.com/privacyratings/privacyratings.com/edit/main/ratings/photo-management/icloud-photos.md