iCloud Using Googleapis for Download & Upload

[dallastigers]

I know data once in iCloud storage can be encrypted and spread across 3rd party without any personal identifying info share with 3rd parties or access to files, but i keep noticing that Photos in particular (also Files app) using or attempting to use depending on filtering setup use content-storage-download.googleapis.com or content-storage-upload.googleapis.com to upload new photos or download full versions or set up an iCloud.

If i have those blocked photos will not upload and can’t create links to large videos to send when this happens. Eventually it will work using an iCloud or iCloud-content gateway, but i have not found exact sequence that corrects or resets or even starts this. It just at times i notice new pictures or new files in files app sitting for a long time before uploading and then check DNS logs and see the storage googleapis being blocked by my filter. I test by added new pic or file, and it verifies its photos or files app.

Again this is direct to and from my device (Photos and Files app with iCloud ) not after uploaded to iCloud or before downloading from iCloud.

My main question is What kind of personal info is being transmitted to Google (or Amazon with amazonaws) using their storage googleapis service directly like this instead of Apple waiting to use 3rd party service after files uploaded and encrypted?

I feel like at least IP addresses are shared along with number of times i am connecting to download and upload.



(I also see amazonaws being used similarly - direct to & from phone for Apple Photos and Files apps using iCloud storage but not as often & usually after googleapis ones fail several times if I have blocked them).

 

[katbel]

I was just using iMovie to edit a clip and it asked to connect to content-storage-upload.googleapis
I do not use anything made by google, I do not use iCloud for movies or for anything photos included
Incredible indeed!

 

[Apple_Robert]

You probably have a third party app or frequenting a website that is using Google api for tracking certain events for advertising purposes, app performance, page hits, and many other options.

 

[katbel]

I restarted twice, first time I had Safari open with Macrumors and nothing else.
Second restart no apps were open, just to be sure. As you can see is nurlsession and goes straight to Google 2607:f8b0:4003:c12::80

 

[E.Lizardo]

I was just using iMovie to edit a clip and it asked to connect to content-storage-upload.googleapis
I do not use anything made by google, I do not use iCloud for movies or for anything photos included
Incredible indeed!

If I may ask, which search engines you prefer? I keep trying the alternates and often end up going to google anyway. I'm baffled that other companies, even ones with Microsoft's deep pockets have so much trouble competing.

 

[katbel]

If I may ask, which search engines you prefer? I keep trying the alternates and often end up going to google anyway. I'm baffled that other companies, even ones with Microsoft's deep pockets have so much trouble competing.

DuckDuckGo, and I’m happy with it

 

[E.Lizardo]

DuckDuckGo, and I’m happy with it

Thanks I'll try and use it more, or at least first.

 

[dallastigers]

You probably have a third party app or frequenting a website that is using Google api for tracking certain events for advertising purposes, app performance, page hits, and many other options.

i wish as i could correct by deleting or block with filtering 3rd party apps easier (blocked googleapis on one device which is why Photos using it causes both problems with iCloud and concerns about direct connection with googleapis instead of something with Apple & then using 3rd party service after uploads, encryption, and with no personal identifying info like they state which to me would include my home IP address). It corresponds with Photos and Files apps attempting to upload new files or download existing ones in iCloud but can’t since i have googleapis blocked for device. I even try to add new ones to test it and blocked contact corresponds with attempts to upload. If I copy it to files app i get same deal when it tries to upload from that app.

Eventually it switches to amazonaws and then an Apple gateway or sometimes Apple/Akamai and uploads.

It happened several months ago and attempted to get Apple support but chat support wasnt best choice for me at the time to work through stuff outside of logging it, and it stopped so i moved on. It started happening again recently and even more consistently. I did send something in through feedback this time before posting here.