Apple's iPhone privacy feature, cracking down on apps that track users' activity
Here is the pop-up that Apple will show users right before they have to decide whether to allow apps to "track" them on iOS 14.
With Apple’s latest iOS 14.5 iPhone update, companies like Facebook and TikTok (and other snoopy apps) that secretly shadow people on their iPhones to help sell more advertising will now have to ask your permission to track you. You know exactly what I am talking about: you talk about something or click on one link about a green sweater and two minutes later, you're served ads about it. This is why you see ads in Facebook and other apps for products you were just looking at on Amazon or other sites.
Now, Apple is making it harder for apps to track your every move online with an opt in. That little pop-up could create big trouble for companies that make their money through targeted advertising – including Facebook. It’s expected that most people will not opt into being tracked. Would you? IF SO, read on to see how to turn on this feature…
Why would a company want to track me?
Here is the thing, most people are not even aware of what's going on behind the scenes. Companies track you to make money off of you-- it's MORE THAN a $100 BILLION industry. It's as easy as that.
Why would I turn this on?
For people who think personalized ads are creepy, this is a way out — at least part of the way.
How will this affect me?
Generic ad and possibly fewer free apps.
Apple says it's about time for "App Tracking Transparency," which is the name of the new privacy feature, rolled out on both the iPhone and iPad.
How to use the new features in iOS 14.5
Install iOS 14.5 if you haven't already. You need the iPhone 6S or later to be able to download this update.
Before 14.5, you could turn tracking off for all of your apps by going to Settings > Privacy > Tracking and turning off “Allow Apps to Request to Track.” The new version of iOS allows you to be more specific.
How to change your app tracking transparency settings
On iPhones and iPads, go to Settings > Privacy > Tracking. On iOS devices, go to Settings > General > Privacy > Tracking.
The anti-tracking shield came about after a seven-month delay because of backlash from Facebook. Many small businesses use and depend on targeted ads to find and serve their customers.
Related
