Vampires Live from the iPhone AppStore is currently number 23 on the AppStore free applications list. A online game where you assume the role of a vampire, build your clan and gain experience.

Version tested: 1.5 (current as of writing)

Firstly I would like to say, “Immediately delete & report this application to Apple, then remove & delete all applications by Storm8 LLC.”

Now that is out of the way, lets continue. This application has so many privacy issues and violations that I have already reported it to Apple and will create a permanent “Hall of Shame”.

During use, the application tracks and reports:
- your mobile phone number (yes, you read that right)
- application version, number
- unique ID of your iPhone
- points (if applicable)
- iPhone model
- firmware version

Not only does this occur once, but multiple times (half a dozen) during the course of utilising this application.

To completely disable this application altogether, in case it is accidentally launched:

# Vampires live – mobile phone number!!, app id, udid, iphone model, firmware – Danger!
127.0.0.1 vl.storm8.com
127.0.0.1 static.storm8.com

As mentioned, I have already reported this application to Apple, furthermore I am putting this app in the sites “Hall of Shame”. This is one iPhone app that just lost its bite =p

Update:
Vampires Live ~ Apple’s Response, Round 1 – Issue +12Hr’s

The first response from Apple support after the auto-reply follows, it is now +12Hrs since the issue was reported.

“Dear (Name),

Thank you for taking the time to contact Apple about improving iTunes. Apple recognizes that no one is better qualified to provide feedback about iTunes than the people who use it. My name is (Name) and I will be happy to help you.

I encourage you to use the iTunes Feedback page to submit your comments:
http://www.apple.com/feedback/itunesapp.html

Vampires Live Support:
http://vampireslive.storm8.com/

Your efforts to share your feedback are very much appreciated.

Sincerely,

(Name)
iTunes Store Customer Support
Sun – Thur 11:00AM-8:00PM

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to assist you. You may recieve an AppleCare survey email; any feedback you provide would be greatly appreciated.”

Ooooh ya, send me that survey please… Mind you this is in response to my original ticket of which some snippets follow:

“I have found that Vampires Live is extracting and sending my personal phone number to their server. My order number (Number)” – “I would request you immediately remove this Application” – “gross violation of the EULA as well as my rights” – Of course I included the reference information, samples, etc.

Apple, I was hoping for a much more serious response to this issue! It is not satisfactory at all, you must have a better remedy for rogue applications.

via I-phone-home