Apple facing data protection probe in Germany over retail store temperature checks
Apple is gradually reopening its retail stores around the
world, as we’re tracking in our detailed roundup. Apple is implementing new
procedures such as temperature checks to ensure the safety of visitors and
employees, but regulators in Germany having concerns about these temperature
checks.
According to a report from Bloomberg Law, Apple is facing a
probe by a regional data protection office in Germany over the temperature
checks. The Hessian data protection agency seeks to find out if Apple’s plan to
take customer temperatures “violates EU privacy rules.”
The report explains:
The Hessian data protection agency’s investigation comes
after Apple reopened stores across Germany May 11 with extra safety procedures,
including temperature checks and social distancing.
The office wants to know if the temperature checks violate
the applicable data protection rules, Ulrike Muller, a spokesperson for the
Hessian Data Protection Commissioner, said. There are no results yet from the
probe and the office is coordinating with other German data protection authorities,
Muller said.
Apple and health officials around the world have said that
things like temperature checks are vital for gradually reopening retail stores
while also continuing to slow the spread of COVID-19. Apple so far has opened
all 15 of its retail stores in Germany.
In addition to temperature checks, Apple Stores are focusing
on service and support at first, while limiting store capacity and reducing
operating hours. Apple is also requiring masks — and providing them when
needed.
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