Tech industry leaders like Google, Meta, and Spotify are under scrutiny for allegedly violating Apple’s device fingerprinting rules. This controversy arose after Apple mandated justifications from iOS developers for the use of APIs potentially used for fingerprinting. This change aims to curb unauthorized user data tracking, but Google, Meta, and Spotify appear to have disregarded these rules.
Device fingerprinting creates a unique identifier for devices using collected data about device specifications. While beneficial for targeted advertising and customized content, it raises questions about privacy invasion. Characteristics such as the operating system, browser version, installed fonts, and screen resolution are cataloged to create a unique ‘fingerprint’. This digital fingerprint can be used to deliver personalized advertisements based on users’ online activity. Critics argue that such practices, often done without clear consent, infringes on users’ rights.
Apple permits user tracking but requires prior approval.
Examining tech giants’ potential device fingerprinting violations
New policies dictate that app developers must explain their use of APIs that could lead to fingerprinting. Furthermore, the collected data must remain within the user’s device to ensure privacy protection. This limitation on device-level fingerprinting showcases Apple’s commitment to protect user privacy.
Starting May 1, 2024, Apple will start rejecting applications that fail to justify their need for these APIs in their privacy manifests. Until now, Apple’s response has been relegated to warning emails to developers who violate their rules.
Tech developers Talal Haj Bakry and Tommy Mysk have voiced concerns regarding Google, Meta, and Spotify. They suggest these companies might be sidestepping Apple’s guidelines, keeping user data on their devices and potentially misusing APIs. These serious allegations underscore the need for stricter regulation enforcement.
According to Bakry and Mysk, it seems these tech giants may be involved in iOS device fingerprinting and transferring the collected data to backend servers, which is a breach of Apple’s rules. Google has begun an internal investigation after acknowledging the report, while Spotify and Meta have not issued an official response. Their silence leaves users waiting for confirmation about the safety of their data.
