Facebook And Apple Clash

A new feature is being introduced to iPhones and iPads which will allow device users to refuse having their data collected by apps and this is causing a serious problem between Apple and Facebook. The two companies are in bitter disagreement  that centers on the iPhone data of millions of people and whether companies should be able to track that data as easily as they do now.  

Facebook has been pushed off balance because user data, and the tidal wave of advertising revenue that it generates, has the potential to deal a severe blow to its core business model.

While Apple CEO Tim Cook has said the move is about giving users control over intrusive data collection, Facebook says that Apple is acting out of self-interest. The iPhone maker is expected to roll out an update to its operating system that prompts you to give apps permission to track their activity across other apps and the web. That change, which Apple calls App Tracking Transparency, may seem small. Lots of apps already track our web activity through default settings we accept when we install them.

The row focuses on a unique device identifier on every iPhone and iPad, called the IDFA (Identifier For Advertisers). Companies which sell mobile ads, including Facebook, use this IDFA to both target ads and estimate their effectiveness. The IDFA can also be paired with other tech, such as Facebook's tracking pixels or tracking cookies, which follow users around the web, to learn even more about you.

Apple has little interest in its customers' data because it makes money from selling devices and in-app purchases, rather than from advertising. Plus it has always marketed itself as a privacy-first company.

Apple co-founder Steve Jobs acknowledged that some people didn't care about how much data they shared, but said they should always be informed of how it was being used. "Privacy means people know what they're signing up for, in plain English and repeatedly... ask them, ask them every time," he once said. More recently the current chief executive Tim Cook said: "If a business is built on misleading users, on data exploitation, on choices that are no choices at all, it does not deserve our praise. It deserves reform."

Facebook has warned that the app update could cut the money earned through its ad network by half and t argues that sharing data with advertisers is key to giving users "better experiences". It also says that Apple is being hypocritical, because it will force businesses to turn to subscriptions and other in-app payments for revenue, from which Apple takes a cut.

The response from some other leading social media and technology businesses is mixed: 

  • Snapchat expressed support for Apple's changes, but CFO Derek Andersen said during its earnings call that the change represents "a risk of interruption" to demand for advertising. 
  • Twitter has said that the changes could have a modest impact on its performance but didn't elaborate.
  • Mozilla, Firefox and others are not supporting Apple, while the privacy advocacy group, the  Electronic Frontier Foundation said it was a "terrible idea", suggesting Google should ensure that browsers "work for users, not for advertisers".

NPR:     Facebook      CNet:        BBC:       Image: Unsplash

You Might Also Read:

Digital Advertising Is A $Billion Ripoff:

 

« Darktrace Share Price Jumps
Hackers Threaten To Publish Police Informant Data »

CyberSecurity Jobsite
Perimeter 81

Directory of Suppliers

Resecurity, Inc.

Resecurity, Inc.

Resecurity is a cybersecurity company that delivers a unified platform for endpoint protection, risk management, and cyber threat intelligence.

Perimeter 81 / How to Select the Right ZTNA Solution

Perimeter 81 / How to Select the Right ZTNA Solution

Gartner insights into How to Select the Right ZTNA offering. Download this FREE report for a limited time only.

North Infosec Testing (North IT)

North Infosec Testing (North IT)

North IT (North Infosec Testing) are an award-winning provider of web, software, and application penetration testing.

MIRACL

MIRACL

MIRACL provides the world’s only single step Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) which can replace passwords on 100% of mobiles, desktops or even Smart TVs.

NordLayer

NordLayer

NordLayer is an adaptive network access security solution for modern businesses — from the world’s most trusted cybersecurity brand, Nord Security. 

UCD Centre for Cybersecurity and Cybercrime Investigation

UCD Centre for Cybersecurity and Cybercrime Investigation

UCD Centre for Cybersecurity and Cybercrime Investigation is Europe's leading centre for research & education in cybersecurity, cybercrime and digital forensics.

StratoKey

StratoKey

StratoKey is an intelligent Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) that secures your cloud and SaaS applications against data breaches, so you can do secure and compliant business in the cloud.

CloudPassage

CloudPassage

CloudPassage, a cloud security and compliance pioneer, safeguards cloud infrastructure for the world’s best-recognized brands.

National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) - Netherlands

National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) - Netherlands

NCSC Netherlands coordinates enhancing the cyber resilience of the Netherlands in the digital domain.

Cyber Akademie (CAk)

Cyber Akademie (CAk)

Cyber Akademie is a training and education center providing high-quality training and information events on information security and data protection.

Centre for Cyber Security (CFCS) - Denmark

Centre for Cyber Security (CFCS) - Denmark

The Centre for Cyber Security is the Danish national IT security authority, Network Security Service and Centre for Excellence within cyber security.

Berwick Partners

Berwick Partners

Berwick Partners’ Cyber Security Practice is a leading recruiter of senior management positions in this field; we have an exceptional understanding of the constantly changing Cyber landscape.

Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO)

Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO)

FICO provides analytics software and tools used across multiple industries to manage risk, fight fraud, optimize operations and meet strict government regulations.

Asvin

Asvin

Asvin provides secure update management and delivery for Internet of Things - IoT Edge devices.

Cybersecurity Manufacturing Innovation Institute (CyManII)

Cybersecurity Manufacturing Innovation Institute (CyManII)

CyManII was established to create economically viable, pervasive, and inconspicuous cybersecurity in American manufacturing to secure the digital supply chain and energy automation.

Cyber Security Operations Consulting (CyberSecOp)

Cyber Security Operations Consulting (CyberSecOp)

CyberSecOp is an ISO 27001 Certified Organization which provides cyber security operations services and risk management consulting.

CoursesOnline

CoursesOnline

CoursesOnline.co.uk is a database listing IT security courses from providers across the UK.

Switchfast Technologies

Switchfast Technologies

Switchfast Technologies is an IT consulting and managed services provider, offering IT support and consulting to Chicagoland small businesses.

Alacrinet

Alacrinet

Alacrinet is an IT and cyber security consultancy. From penetration testing to fully managed MSSP, our team is focused on knowing the latest threats, preventing vulnerabilities, and providing value.

ThreatLocker

ThreatLocker

The ThreatLocker Platform provides a Zero Trust security solution that offers a unified approach to protecting users, devices, and networks against the exploitation of zero day vulnerabilities.

Sonet.io

Sonet.io

Sonet.io is built for IT leaders that want a great experience for their remote workers, while enhancing security and observability.