14 DAY TRIAL // Apple’s anti-tracking capabilities bundled with iOS and supposed to block cross-app tracking and reduce the data apps can collect from users could soon make its way to Android in one way or another.
That’s according to people familiar with the matter, who told Bloomberg that Google is currently looking into ways to boost the privacy of its users with similar capabilities.
However, at first glance, it looks like Google doesn’t want to embrace Apple’s extreme approach but go for a friendlier implementation, and the company is currently working with third-parties to figure out a way to introduce the new feature without having a big impact on app developers.
Apple’s highly controversial privacy update
Facebook is one of the companies that have criticized Apple’s implementation of the new privacy prompts, explaining on several occasions that what Cupertino is trying to do is implementing a system “that’s about profit, not privacy.”
“It will force businesses to turn to subscriptions and other in-app payments for revenue, meaning Apple will profit and many free services will have to start charging or exit the market,” Facebook says.
“They’re hurting small businesses and publishers who are already struggling in a pandemic. These changes will directly affect their ability to use their advertising budgets efficiently and effectively. Our studies show, without personalized ads powered by their own data, small businesses could see a cut of over 60% of website sales from ads. We don’t anticipate the proposed iOS 14 changes to cause a full loss of personalization but rather a move in that direction over the longer term.”
Facebook says it has no other option than to comply with Apple’s requirements.
Google doesn’t seem to be in a rush to introduce the new privacy feature, but more information is likely to be shared as we get closer to the summer when a new Android version is expected.