It's the sort of thing Apple should ban to protect its claim that it is more private than Android.

It really is.

I keep buying into the Apple ecosystem because of their stance on user privacy. Sure, they aren't perfect; but they are miles ahead of there competitors.

I see this as a key problem of our times. Social convention used to have a stronger impact on behavior. Now it isn't enough for behavior to be disdained, it must be flagrantly illegal.

Growth by any means necessary.. seems like there are a tens of thousands of apps that each act like their own data bureau, totalling dossiers on billions of people, just because it makes money. Maybe a few percentage points' value lost as a slap on the wrist every now and then. I feel, that in this scenario, rather than a better carrot, we need a better stick..

When was the time when social convention had a stronger impact?

Social convention has always had a strong impact. Where I live, people will cut you in line if you leave a space big enough for them to fit and it's perfectly ok. Where I'm from, if someone did that, you'd end up with an angry mob and probably a fist in your face.

Social conventions are always stronger than the law; at least in person.