Vratislav Holub Apple quite likes and often presents itself as perhaps the only company that cares about the privacy of its users. After all, the entire philosophy of today's Apple products is partially based on this, for which security, an emphasis on privacy and the closedness of the platform are absolutely key. Therefore, the Cupertino giant regularly adds various security functions to its systems with a clear goal. Provide users with privacy and some form of protection so that valuable or sensitive data cannot be misused by third parties.
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For example, App Tracking Transparency is an important part of the iOS operating system. It came with iOS 14.5 and prohibits apps from tracking user activity across websites and apps unless the person directly gives their consent. Each application then requests it through a pop-up window, which can either be refused or directly blocked in the settings so that the programs do not ask at all. In apple systems, we also find, for example, the Private transmission function to mask the IP address or the option to hide one's own e-mail. At first glance, it may seem that the giant is really serious about the privacy of its users. But is it really what it seems?
Apple collects user data
The Cupertino giant also mentions quite often that it collects only the most necessary data about apple growers. But the vast majority with the company does not have to be shared. But as it now turns out, the situation may not be as rosy as many thought. Two developers and security experts drew attention to one interesting fact. The iOS operating system sends data about how apple users work within the App Store, i.e. what they click on and generally what their overall activity is. This information is shared with Apple automatically in JSON format. According to these experts, the App Store has been monitoring users since the arrival of iOS 14.6, which was released to the public in May 2021. It is a bit paradoxical that this change came only a month after the introduction of the App Tracking Transparency function.
It is not for nothing that it is said that user data is the alpha and omega for the needs of technology companies. Thanks to this data, companies can create detailed user profiles and then use them for practically anything. However, most often it is advertising. The more information someone has about you, the better they can target a certain promotion to you. This is because it has knowledge about what you like, what you are looking for, what region you are from, and so on. Even Apple is probably aware of the importance of this data, which is why tracking it in its own app store makes more or less sense. However, whether it is right or justified on the part of the apple company to monitor the activity of apple growers without any information, everyone has to answer for themselves.
This is how Apple presented iPhone security at CES 2019
Why the giant tracks activity in the App Store
An important question is also why the tracking actually takes place within the apple app store. As is the custom, a number of theories have appeared among apple growers trying to come up with a rationale. As the most likely option, it is suggested that with the arrival of advertising in the App Store, it is also appropriate to monitor how the visitors/users themselves actually react. Apple can then provide this data within the report to the advertisers themselves (developers who pay for advertising with Apple).
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Pavel Jelic However, as we mentioned above, given Apple's overall philosophy and its emphasis on user privacy, the whole situation seems strange. On the other hand, it would be naive to think that the Cupertino giant does not collect any data at all. Their role is extremely important in today's digital world. Do you trust Apple to really care about the privacy of its users, or do you not address the issue at hand?
I think Apple is more secure than the competition. I trust Apple. I have no reason not to believe