Apple to require apps to get user permission for tracking

In an expansion of its privacy information requirements for apps, Apple says that it will require apps to request permission for tracking across apps or websites owned by other companies.

The company elaborated on the upcoming feature on 28 January, Data Privacy Day. Apple users can test the feature in the next beta update.

“Starting soon, with Apple’s next beta update, App Tracking Transparency will require apps to get the user’s permission before tracking their data across apps or websites owned by other companies,” Apple said in a blog post.

According to Apple, you will be able to see which apps have requested tracking permissions under your settings. You will be able to change whether or not to allow this tracking.

The update will become a permanent feature from “early spring” with the release of iOS 14.

Apple privacy information

This new addition will expand on Apple’s privacy transparency information required for apps.

Near the end of 2020, the company introduced “privacy nutrition labels” on the App Store. These give a summary of what information developers collect from the user.

However, the information relies on self-reported data practices from companies.

Apple’s upcoming feature will also focus on tracking across apps and sites owned by other companies.

This leaves room for big tech companies, including Apple and Facebook, to track you across their many owned apps without requiring extra permissions.

Feature image: Apple

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