"Apple to Block Unauthorized Personal Data Tracking with iOS Update This Month"

[Asia Economy Reporter Eunmo Koo] Apple will block apps from tracking personal information without user consent through an iPhone operating system iOS update later this month.

According to Apple on the 7th, the company is about to release the iOS 14.5 update featuring the 'App Tracking Transparency (ATT)' function. Although the exact release date has not been announced, considering Apple CEO Tim Cook recently mentioned it would be distributed "within a few weeks," the update is expected to be released this month.

In iOS 14.5, the previously controversial 'App Tracking Transparency' feature, which faced opposition from Facebook, will be applied to all apps including Apple's default apps. Facebook has expressed dissatisfaction, claiming that this update could halve its advertising revenue, but recently softened its criticism by stating, "If more companies decide to sell products directly through Facebook, it could actually be beneficial."

When users install iOS 14.5, apps that do not apply ATT will lose access to the IDFA (Identifier for Advertisers - a unique ID assigned individually to mobile device users). Advertisers have used the IDFA to track iPhone users' search activities and app usage history to deliver personalized ads.

After the update, when a consumer runs a specific app, the app developer will ask, "Do you allow this app to track your activity across other companies' apps and websites?" The timing of this prompt can be chosen by the developer, so it may appear when the app is installed or when the user starts using the app. Users can select either "Ask App Not to Track" or "Allow."

Apple will also provide an option in the 'Privacy' tab of Settings to collectively deny tracking for all apps. However, Apple's default apps will not send messages asking for tracking permission. Apple explains this is because it does not track users for advertising purposes.

Meanwhile, Apple device users will soon be able to locate their owned devices through a new Devices tab in the Find My app via the Find My Network Accessory Program. Apple announced on the 8th that it will release an updated Find My app, enabling third-party products to use the Find My feature with privacy and security protections.

The Find My Network Accessory Program opens the Find My network to third-party device manufacturers, allowing them to create products that utilize the service. In the future, customers will be able to find and track important devices through the Find My app. New products compatible with the Find My app will be launched next week by Belkin, Chipolo, and VanMoof.

Bob Borchers, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Worldwide Product Marketing, stated, "For more than a decade, Apple customers have used the Find My app to locate lost and stolen Apple devices. Now, we want to offer the powerful location tracking capabilities of one of Apple’s most popular services, the Find My app, to more people through the Find My Network Accessory Program."