How do I opt out of Apple Music data collection?

Question

How do I opt out of Apple Music data collection?

It is my understanding that Apple Music records what songs I listen to and for how long. I don't want Apple to do this? How do I prevent it from happening?

Ideally, I would need to opt in to this data collection. As it seems Apple has made that choice for me to "improve my experience," is there a way to opt out? If not, are there FQDNs or IPs I can block? Do I need to find a different application to play music on my Macbook, Phone, and iPad?

Note: If your suggestion is to accept that Apple collect this information, I am not interested.

MacBook Pro 13", macOS 10.15

Posted on Jan 19, 2020 5:56 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

sberman

Level 10

264,957 points

Jan 20, 2020 12:53 PM in response to applerobert42

If you subscribe to neither Apple Music nor iTunes Match, then Apple won’t know about your music collection (because iCloud Music Library will not be involved).

You may opt to allow third party applications to obtain information about your music library.

More information follows:

https://www.apple.com/privacy/control/

Privacy - Features - Apple

https://privacy.apple.com/

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Answer 2

Jan 20, 2020 8:30 AM in response to AntBee

I did not sign up for Apple Music the service.

I opened the Apple Music app for the first time in Catalina and received a notice that said Apple would collect data about my listening habits. Maybe I misunderstood. Maybe the data collection only occurs if you are signed up for the Apple Music service.

I would argue this is a side-effect of Apple’s deliberate blurring of the lines between its free music playing application and its music streaming service.

Regardless, it appears I have two questions:

If I am not paying for Apple Music, will Apple collect information about my listening?
If it does, can I make it stop while still using Apple Music the app?

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Answer 3

AntBee

Level 1

134 points

Jan 19, 2020 7:15 PM in response to applerobert42

First of all, did you happen to join Apple Music?

Second, if you did, did you go into your device's settings and turn on "Sync Library?" It will turn on iCloud Music Library, which can place all of your music in the cloud. It has the potential to erase the music on your device, or if you keep your music on your device, will merge your music with the music you "may" have in the cloud.

Third, also in Settings, you may want to turn off, "Use Listening History." That category has a great influence upon the "For You" recommendations, if you did join Apple Music.

Lastly, the only solution I can see, is to cancel Apple Music and turn off the previously mentioned items.

Hope this has helped!

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Answer 4

sberman

Level 10

264,957 points

Jan 19, 2020 7:17 PM in response to applerobert42

applerobert42 wrote:

It is my understanding that ...

Here are all the details, so you can make an informed decision.

Apple Music & Privacy - Apple Support

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How do I opt out of Apple Music data collection?

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