Apple App Tracking – Changing the face of Data Privacy

Moe from Mondo / 06-05-2021 / Tech news

In a bid to help you keep private information and data secure, Apple has introduced a new app transparency feature called App Tracking on iOS 14.5 for iPhone users.

Released in April 2021, the App Tracking Transparency feature aims to put the power of your online security in your hands. You can now choose whether or not you want to make your information and interests available to third parties such as Facebook.

What this means for iPhone users:

Ever run a search for a device or accessory only to find yourself bombarded by display ads for similar products later on? This is because, when you browse, apps monitor and share your activity – as well as personal information like email addresses – with businesses who use this information to show you ads directly related to your interests.

This new Apple feature gives you the option of saying “no” to this type of targeted advertising.

How it works:

When using or downloading an app, iPhone users will receive a request from the app asking permission to “track your activity across other companies’ apps and websites”.

Simply tap “Allow” or “Ask App Not to Track” to continue using the app.

App Tracking Transparency will not restrict your use and you will continue to have complete access to the app and all its features even if you decide you do not want the app to track your activity.

If you choose to opt out, this feature blocks the particular app from tracking your activity and using other information like your email address to identify you or your device and sharing this with other companies.

While this doesn’t mean an end to all ads across your platforms, it does mean fewer targeted ads for iPhone users who are concerned about how companies use their personal data.

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