I am an iOS developer and most likely the problem is related to configuration and basic analytics, not "siphoning" app data.

Offending code :

if (restrictiveParams[eventName][@"is_deprecated_event"]) {

        [deprecatedEventSet addObject:eventName];

}

So, the iOS library does not check for nil, and whatever the server is returning does not have the expected content. Lame.

Well the reason FB/Foursquare/Google etc add these to 3rd party apps is so they can get data. Example if you visit a website which has a Facebook like button, your browser fetches the js files/which maybe even makes an API call to let FB know your IP (and hence location). All this data is fed to the giant system that feeds you ads. Adding their SDK to other apps/sites (even if there is no user facing need) is a common strategy used by most big companies to get data. In return the app that puts in the SDK gets $ from the company.

I think he's talking in general. I worked at Spotify for a while and I can tell you the only reason they have the FB SDK bundled is to provide login. They dont use FB for any tracking or attribution at all, for that they have other frameworks. They are aware of the FB SDK misbehaving in some cases and do take steps to prevent it.

you are assuming that the Spotify app is not simply handing that data over. I would not be surprised if there is a financial agreement in place.