It’s been a week a lot of controversy with Facebook. After Apple released iOS 14.3 including a new privacy feature in the App Store, Facebook launched the attack by criticizing this new Apple policy. This will also be reinforced in 2021 with new user advisories.
Facebook ran two full-page ads in newspapers such as the The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and The Washington Post. Apple responded tentatively, but now its CEO Tim Cook posted a tweet showing his opinion in this situation.
Apple’s answer is clear, let the user choose whether or not you want to be tracked. Facebook’s business can continue to function perfectly if users agree to its terms.
We believe that users should have a choice between what data is collected about them and how it is used. Facebook can continue to track users on apps and websites as before, the transparency of app tracking in iOS 14 will just require them to ask for your permission first. pic.twitter.com/UnnAONZ61I
– Tim Cook (@tim_cook) December 17, 2020
We believe that users should be able to choose between what data is collected about them and how it is used. Facebook can continue to track users through apps and websites as before, the transparency of app tracking in iOS 14 will only require them to ask your permission first.
What then is the main problem? That Facebook is afraid of transparency. Facebook is concerned that users will realize what it is actually doing with their data and not give it permission to use it.
In this case, it is possible that part of Facebook’s activity is affected, but that’s your problem. If you can’t convince users that your service is worth it in exchange for this data, it’s not Apple’s fault.
We’ll see how this whole story ends, though public opinion seems to be on Apple’s side and against Facebook. Who on the other hand, has never claimed to protect the privacy of users.
