As Apple Inc feuds with the U.S. government over iPhone privacy protections, Reuters shed light on how the tech giant is also grappling with internal conflicts over privacy that could pose challenges to its long-term product strategy. Unlike Google, Amazon and Facebook, Apple is loathe to use customer data to deliver targeted advertising or personalized recommendations and any collection of data requires sign-off from a committee of three "privacy czars" and a top executive. However, company executives have flagged services such as iCloud and Apple Music as prime sources for growth – which could test the company’s commitment to limiting the use of personal data. In a Reuters Best: Journalist Spotlight Q&A, technology correspondent Julia Love offers an inside look at the reporting behind the story.
Q. How did you get started on this story?
A. Shortly after I started covering Apple for Reuters, I heard rumblings about a trio known as the “privacy czars” who play a key role in shaping new products. I was immediately intrigued, but it’s hard to carve out time for more “evergreen” stories on a busy beat. When news of the Apple-FBI standoff broke, it seemed like the perfect time to dig into the team’s work.
Q. What types of reporting/sourcing were involved in the story?
A. I leaned heavily on former Apple employees, who I find to be invaluable guides to the company’s culture and how key decisions are made. I also spoke to a ton of outside privacy experts to learn how Apple’s practices compare to other companies in the valley. Privacy programs are pretty standard these days, so it was important to demonstrate that Apple’s policies are more stringent.
Q. What was the hardest part about reporting the story?
A. Apple’s size and penchant for secrecy make it hard to get a true picture of how things work within the company. It took a lot of time and effort to firm up even basic details about how the privacy team operates.
Q. Why did you think this was an important story to tell our readers and clients?
A. Apple has been applauded for its resolve in the FBI battle, and privacy has become a key part of its brand. But the stance comes at a cost: the privacy vetting prolongs product development, and down the line Apple could be hard-pressed to match rival services if it has less customer data to work with. I think it’s important to explore these tradeoffs.
Q. What makes you passionate about journalism?
A. I love having a job that gives me license to call up anyone and ask them anything. Nothing beats being on the trail of a good scoop, and I feel fortunate to work for a news organization that gives reporters great freedom to pursue big stories.
Q. What is your beat and what do you find most fulfilling about it?
A. I cover Apple full-time for Reuters. The beat sounds narrow, but I’ve used it as a vehicle to dig into everything from digital music to artificial intelligence to the San Francisco real estate market. Apple is one of the most densely covered companies in the world, and it can be daunting to try to find something new to say. When you do, it’s very rewarding.
Q. What have been your most rewarding and most difficult experiences as a journalist?
A. My favorite stories center on everyday people. Last year, I spent a morning with an octogenarian whose family farm later became the site of Apple’s new headquarters, and I always get a kick out of talking to early Apple employees. But it’s often challenging to find a human face for tech stories — you have to get creative.
Q. Can you imagine being anything other than a journalist? If so, what?
A. I come from a family of journalists, so it’s hard to picture myself outside the profession. But I could see myself as a public defender — I like the drama of the courtroom, and I believe that everyone deserves an advocate.
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