Privacy advocates point out call logs are stored on iCloud


A Forbes has a somewhat exasperated article about how Apple syncs call log data between devices using iCloud. This log also included FaceTime calls, and syncs with only iCloud Drive activated.This feature allows for you to see recent calls on any device, which is a convenient. The expressed concern is this private data is stored on iCloud, which, while encrypted, can be decrypted by Apple or potentially through some vulnerability on Apple's end.

In a comment to The Loop, Apple explains what it is doing:

"We offer call history syncing as a convenience to our customers so that they can return calls from any of their devices. Apple is deeply committed to safeguarding our customers' data. That's why we give our customers the ability to keep their data private. Device data is encrypted with a user's passcode, and access to iCloud data including backups requires the user's Apple ID and password. Apple recommends all customers select strong passwords and use two-factor authentication."

The call logging is documented by Apple, so the company has been transparent about this. It's hard to get too worked up about it, but still, it seems it would be appropriate if Apple provided better controls over this syncing feature. While convenient, this information could be considered highly sensitive and they may not want to store it on iCloud.