Surprised it's been this awkward to get an answer to be honest.
Let's recap... you have asked a question about user level security and privacy policies of perhaps the most secretive technology company in existence, and you're puzzled about not getting a "clear" answer.
With all due respect, you have been given that simple an answer, and you have waived us all off.
...that still leaves me very unclear on the situation
...but that doesn't really answer the question
...I have a feeling no one is going to be able to answer the question here
My quote from the developer site, while not a chapter and verse answer, clearly shows the mindset and approach Apple has about user privacy. That they do not publish the entire playbook is part of the security and secrecy, don'cha think?
Apple also does not publish how many botched attempts on your password will lock your account up. We all just trust it's a number of some sort and that it keeps our accounts secure. Communicating that number may give the black hats an edge.
Want more control? Choose another technology partner.
As I suggested before, if you are still apprehensive, you may what to consider Blackberry, who hung their hat on data security too.
And maybe just test. Install the app you're curious about and see if "it" knows your phone number.
