The latest information regarding privacy matters for mobile apps has it that Apple may be preparing to ban mobile apps that don’t block ad tracking. The company is also preparing to launch a protocol known as App Tracking Transparency. Apple has given developers notice regarding the timeframe to comply with the privacy standards. However, it seems that this move may not be enough to solve all the problems associated with privacy issues.
A senior vice president of software engineering at Apple, Craig Federighi told the European Data Protection and Privacy Conference that mobile phone users will soon be able to choose whether they want to allow advertisers to track them or not. At the present time, advertisers are able to track users or visitors across different websites and apps.
According to the spokesman from Apple, he said that by 2021, apps that want to track users will have to obtain their permission before they can do it. He also said that any app developer who fails to comply with that standard may have their apps disabled from the App Store.
At the time that the new app transparency protocol has been launched, apps will be required to show a pop-up notification asking whether users want to give permission to be tracked across apps and websites owned by other companies. This is a bothersome situation because advertisers believe that most users will decline.
Apple’s new plan is praised by some experts and criticized by others. Facebook joined the group of critics, saying that small-time developers that rely on in-app advertising may not perform well. In addition to this, Apple faces antitrust complaints in France, instigated by advertisers in that country.
In spite of all hindrances, Apple vows to continue with this plan, and maintains that it is required as a means to disrupt “privacy-invasive status quo.” Earlier this year, the company itself was accused of tracking user behavior in Austria.
