According to the Apple developer site linked below, the definition of “user content” collected by apps includes user’s photos, videos, messages, etc. I have not been able to find a definitive answer to this, but if apps that state they collect “user content” under “Data Not Linked To You,” does that mean they literally collect - i.e., upload - user photos, videos, messages, etc? Thanks.
In this context, it is about user content that the user imports in to the app.
“Collect” refers to transmitting data off the device in a way that allows the developer and/or its third-party partners to access it for a period longer than what is necessary to service the transmitted request in real time. If a piece of information or document is stored in transit in some way, for a few seconds, 10 minutes, an hour, or backed up for six months, then it was “collected”.
It depends on the app. In the world as it is today, you can assume that any app will collect every last byte that it can from you. The more you spend for the app, the less it will probably collect. An obvious exception might be scam apps, of which there are legion. Carefully read the reviews for the app. Ignore the overall rating. That's garbage. If there is a consensus that the app is a scam, then it is a scam. But depending on the app, they may have paid for a few thousand fake good reviews. You will need to do your own research to determine if the app is a scam or not. In the App Store, click on the links for the developer, app support, and privacy policy. If any of those are invalid, obvious garbage, or generic templates, then the app is a scam.
iOS 14 “user content”
