AccuWeather found sending user location data to servers without location sharing turned on

AccuWeather[/caption]Based on a report on ZDNet, security researcher Will Strafach intercepting traffic from an iPhone running the app found it sending information to third-party servers despite not having permission. AccuWeather was found sending the device's location, WiFi router and the unique MAC address to a data monetization firm, Reveal Mobile every few hours.The report also digs up on the buyer of this information from AccuWeather, Reveal Mobile. ZDNet finds that the data firm is not a direct advertiser but instead helps provide data to advertisers.Reveal in a brochure says that it turns the location data coming out of those apps into what it claims to be "meaningful audience data."Will Strafach, a mobile security expert himself voices his concerns to ZDNet. He said, "When GPS access is not allowed, the app sends the [Wi-Fi network name] and possibly uses their Bluetooth beacon technology. This seems especially problematic as their website plainly states that use of WiFi information is for geolocation, and that seems a bit over the line for situations where the user pretty clearly does not wish to share their location," he said.This would come as a major shock to users of the application which has a reputable impression on Apple's App Store along with being weather partners for numerous other applications as well.