Apple implements measures for more privacy as planned
Apple will implement new ways for users to limit data collection through apps, despite headwinds from big online players like Facebook. That's according to a letter published Thursday by the iPhone company to human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.
The innovations are intended to make it easier for users of Apple devices to prevent apps and advertising services from collecting information about their behavior across the boundaries of individual apps and websites. Apple's plan is to require each app to ask users for permission to access it. Facebook warned that the change would make the online network's advertising business more difficult. Company CEO Mark Zuckerberg most recently criticized that because many small and medium-sized businesses rely on advertising on the web, it could hurt the economy's recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.
Start in the new year
The release requests were actually already announced for the launch of the new mobile system iOS 14 in the fall. In September, however, Apple postponed their introduction until the beginning of next year. The reason given was to give developers more time to make the necessary changes. At the same time, this raised concerns among some observers that resistance from the industry could lead to a softening of the measures.
Access is important for Facebook because the online network promises its advertisers reliable access to the most specific customer groups possible. To do this, Facebook wants to learn as much as possible about people's interests and activities.
Apple had initially granted access to the unique device number for advertising purposes when the iPhone was launched. A few years ago, a special number for advertising was introduced instead, the IDFA. Access to it will now only be granted to app developers after they have obtained explicit permission from a user. (SDA)
