This article outlines Apple's Internet privacy policy.

Apple Customer Global Internet Privacy Policy

Protecting your privacy is important to Apple Computer, Inc. ("Apple"). We hope the following policy will help you understand how Apple collects, uses, and safeguards the personal information you provide on our web site.

Information Collection

If you browse Apple's web site, you do so anonymously. We don't collect personal information - including your e-mail address. We do log your IP address (the Internet address of your computer) to give us an idea of which parts of our web site you visit and how long you spend there. But we do not link your IP address to anything personally identifiable. The only other information automatically provided to us is the type of computer and operating system you are using. Your browser supplies us with this information.

Like many other commercial web sites, the Apple web site may use a standard technology called a "cookie" to collect information about how you use the site. Please go to http://www.apple.com/legal/privacy/aboutcookies.html for more information.

At times we may request that you voluntarily supply us with personal information, such as your e-mail address and postal address, for purposes such as corresponding with us, registering at a site, making a purchase, entering a sweepstakes, registering a new product, or participating in an online survey. When you register a product with Apple, for example, we collect the serial number and your name, address, and e-mail address.

We will use the personal information you provide to create a personal ID, called Apple ID. Your Apple ID gives you easy access to Apple services including product registration and the Apple Store. Here's how it works. Using a unique identifier (your current e-mail address and a password for security), you fill out your Apple profile with information you feel comfortable sharing with us, such as your name and telephone number. Once you enter your information, your Apple ID saves you time when you order something from the Apple Store or register a new product. You simply enter your Apple ID and password, and the system looks up the information it needs.

Because Apple Computer operates globally, we make company information available to our worldwide business units. As part of this process, the personal information that you have provided to us may be sent to other Apple business units around the world. However, we do not share your profile with anyone else outside of Apple without your consent, and no one else can access your information. Using your Apple ID and password, you can easily delete, edit, or change your personal information and preferences at any time.

Information Use

If you provide us with your e-mail or postal address, or have done so in the past, we will ask you if we can use it to send you updates on the latest Apple products and promotions. We also ask if you want us to share your personal information with other companies that offer related services. If you do not want us or other companies to contact you, you can choose to "opt out," and Apple will respect your wishes.

We may use information that you have given us to learn more about our customers so that we can develop better products and services. We may also use the information to inform you about new products, services, and offers that may be of interest to you. These offers may be based on information you provided in your initial transaction with us or in surveys.

Declining E-mail Offers

Apple provides customers with an easy means to decline to receive e-mail offers. Although most customers tell us they appreciate receiving notice of these opportunities, we recognize the importance of providing you with choices. At any time, you may request to discontinue receiving these offers from us by simply replying to the e-mail and informing us of your preferences. All e-mail offers that you receive from Apple will tell you how to decline further e-mail offers.

Children

While Apple's product ad campaigns and marketing materials are often viewed by children, we do not solicit data from them. Apple encourages parents and guardians to spend time online with their children and to participate in the interactive activities offered on the sites their children visit. No information should be submitted to, or posted at, Apple's web site by visitors under 18 years of age without the consent of their parent or guardian.

Company Commitment to Privacy

Apple is actively involved in current industry initiatives -- such as the Online Privacy Alliance ( http://www.privacyalliance.org )-- to preserve individual privacy rights on the Internet and in all aspects of electronic commerce.

Apple Computer, Inc.'s privacy policy is subject to change at any time and without notice. Please check http://www.apple.com/legal/privacy for updates.