Track hack: Apple gives users even more control over their data

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A new Privacy Report in Safari delivers added visibility into how the browser protects browsing activity across the web.
A new Privacy Report in Safari delivers added visibility into how the browser protects browsing activity across the web.

Dubai - New privacy features to allow users feel a 'breakthrough experience'

By Alvin R. Cabral

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Published: Wed 24 Jun 2020, 9:40 PM

Last updated: Wed 24 Jun 2020, 11:43 PM

The 2020 edition of the Worldwide Developers Conference may be quieter due to its virtual format, but that hasn't stopped Apple from making a lot of noise.
Along with the introduction of revamped software platforms across its ecosystem, the world's most valuable firm previewed more security enhancements that will give users even more control over their data.
Apple's software is famous for being hard to crack, but vulnerabilities remain thanks to the continuous efforts by cybercriminals; as tech becomes more advanced, so are the tools available for breaches.
As such, tech companies and device manufacturers - some of which have even come under government scrutiny and probes - have been racing to address these concerns.
"With... new privacy features, we think everyone is going to love the breakthrough experience," Apple senior vice-president of software engineering Craig Federighi said.
On iOS 14, all apps will now be required to obtain user permission before tracking. In simplest terms, tracking is the practice of apps collecting user data; with Apple's move of giving users the choice to accept or reject tracking, it would significantly reduce the amount of data collected by apps.
On the App Store, product pages will have comprehensive information on developers' privacy practices, including data used to track you and data that may collected, including sensitive information like financial stuff.
The same rules will apply for the App Stores on iPadOS 14 for macOS Big Sur. Web browser Safari's biggest update since it was introduced in 2003 also focuses on security: A new privacy report adds how Safari protects browsing activity, with extensions security and keeping passwords secret enhanced.
- alvin@khaleejtimes.com


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