Microsoft lays out details about its Windows Phone 7 data collection policies. Microsoft says it collects location information only if users allow an application to access location data. Microsoft said it assembles and maintains a database of the locations of cell towers and Wi-Fi access points in order to provide its location services. Apple has come under fire in recent weeks after researchers showed that the iPhone and iPad store location data about users on the devices. Google has defended itself saying that location sharing by users of Android-based mobile phones is opt-in.”]