Facebook bites off
Apple will soon roll out a new privacy feature that warns iPhone and iPad users about trackers. Apps use these tracking codes to deliver targeted ads to people. Apple’s announcement goes wrong with several companies, including Facebook.
Read on after the ad.
Apple tracker alert is rolling out this spring
Apple plans to release the so-called ‘tracker warning’ this spring. The function is available from the next trial version for iOS and iPadOS, the operating systems of the iPhone and iPad. The warning is then also transferred to the stable versions for all users to use.
The new privacy feature means that app developers must ask users’ permission to post trackers. Thanks to these files, they keep an eye on which apps and websites you use and then earn from them through targeted advertisements.
From the next iOS and iPadOS test versions, it is mandatory for developers to ask users for permission. If users do not agree with the notification, no trackers may be placed. This is better for your online privacy. If developers don’t adhere to users’ preferences (and thus post tracking codes anyway), they risk banning from the App Store, Apple’s app store.
Advertising industry criticizes Apple
Several advertising industry apps have criticized Apple’s plans, including Facebook. CEO Mark Zuckerberg said during the presentation of the company’s quarterly figures that the iPhone maker is implementing this measure mainly for business reasons, not because they want to protect the privacy of users.
“From a business perspective, Apple is keen to thwart our apps as much as possible,” said the Facebook executive. “Unfortunately, we have no other option but to agree to the policy, otherwise the Facebook app will be removed from the App Store,” a company spokesperson told the website. iMore.
Google is less outspoken. However, the company recently warned app developers that their turnover from the App Store could drop “significantly” in the coming period. In addition, the company has stopped putting trackers in its own apps for the iPhone and iPad.
