On Monday we reported on what the most common PINs were for users of the Big Brother Camera Security app after its developer had added the ability for the app to anonymously send back those PINs. Many were not happy about hearing this and Apple was clearly among those as the Big Brother Camera Security app was pulled from the App Store yesterday.

In a blog post, the developer of the app, Danial Amitay explains that the app was not obtaining the actual lockscreen PINs but rather those used for his app. He also quells fears by explaining that when the app sent the data to his server it was “literally sending only that number (e.g. “1234”) and nothing else”. Amitay had presumed (when he added the function) that it would be within the iTunes EULA for him to do so, as it states the following (emphasis added):

b. Consent to Use of Data: You agree that Application Provider may collect and use technical data and related information, including but not limited to technical information about Your device, system and application software, and peripherals, that is gathered periodically to facilitate the provision of software updates, product support and other services to You (if any) related to the Licensed Application. Application Provider may use this information, as long as it is in a form that does not personally identify You, to improve its products or to provide services or technologies to You.

Amitay says he is actively trying to work out the issue Apple had with the app and get it back into the App Store soon. If it means he has to get rid of the code that sent the PIN data, he says would “gladly” do that, understanding the concern it raised. He does say however that he had planned to warn users not choose the obvious PINs that the data had revealed in a future update.

[Via Macgasm]