{"id":22676,"date":"2021-02-15T11:00:34","date_gmt":"2021-02-15T16:00:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lsi-media.com\/?p=22676"},"modified":"2021-02-15T11:00:34","modified_gmt":"2021-02-15T16:00:34","slug":"facebook-v-apple-data-tracking-and-privacy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lsi-media.com\/newlsi2026\/facebook-v-apple-data-tracking-and-privacy\/","title":{"rendered":"Facebook vs Apple: The Looming Showdown Over Data Tracking and Privacy"},"content":{"rendered":"

[ez-toc]<\/p>\n

Facebook vs. Apple, prepare for a head-to-head showdown! Facebook, the social media giant, has long relied on user data to target ads and personalize content, but Apple’s recent changes to its mobile operating system threaten to disrupt this lucrative model.<\/p>\n

With its new App Tracking Transparency feature, Apple empowers users to choose whether to allow apps, including Facebook, to track their activity across other apps and websites. As tensions rise between the two tech titans, the future of data tracking and privacy hangs in the balance.<\/p>\n

\n

App Tracking Transparency was first announced by Apple during their developer conference last June 2020 and intended to launch the feature alongside iOS 14 and the iPhone 12. They then deferred the implementation of their new tracking policy for 2021 in order to give businesses and apps dependent on advertising more time to manage the transition. How will this dispute play out? This account tells us more.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>

Facebook<\/a> says collecting user data across the internet makes for \u2018better experiences. Apple \u2013 and privacy groups \u2013 are pushing back. Facebook<\/a> is taking lessons from its debacle over WhatsApp privacy changes in a bid to prevent millions of its users from opting out of allowing the company to track their interests across the internet.<\/p>\n

WhatsApp, which is owned by Facebook<\/a>, was forced to delay an update to its privacy policy last month when an in-app notification informed users that some data from the communications app would be shared with Facebook<\/a>.<\/p>\n

It raised concerns about the privacy of chat messages and profile data and led users to shift in droves to other encrypted messaging apps such as Signal. Now a looming showdown with Apple over data tracking has prompted Facebook<\/strong><\/span><\/a> onto the front foot.<\/p>\n<\/div>

What Will Users See?<\/span><\/strong><\/h2><\/h2><\/div>

Sometime in the next few months, iPhone users will be greeted by a message \u2013 not from Facebook<\/a>, but from Apple \u2013 asking them if they will allow the Facebook<\/a> app to collect their data. If users refuse, Apple will prevent Facebook<\/a> from doing so. A similar message from Apple will pop up, related to any app that collects data on users for advertising purposes.<\/p>\n

Facebook<\/a> says it will preempt the change by rolling out a pop-up screen over the coming weeks and months, making a plea to users to stay opted in. \u201cAgreeing to these prompts doesn\u2019t result in Facebook<\/a> collecting new types of data; it just means that Facebook<\/a> can continue to give people better experiences,\u201d a Facebook spokeswoman said.<\/p>\n<\/div>

What Sort Of Data Are We Talking About?<\/span><\/strong><\/h3><\/h3><\/div>

It\u2019s almost a given that when you shop online for shoes, you\u2019ll suddenly find yourself served with ads for shoes across a bunch of other websites, or in your Facebook<\/a> feed. If you\u2019ve been in a physical store, you might see a related ad pop up in one of your apps later on.<\/p>\n

The ability of websites to track you across the internet might creep you out, but companies know exactly where to pitch their advertising through data collected about everything from places you\u2019ve visited health information.<\/p>\n<\/div>

What Is Apple Doing?<\/span><\/strong><\/h3><\/h3><\/div>

Apple has been slowly pushing back on how much data apps can collect by giving users the option to turn off location tracking and letting people know if an app is tracking their location while running in the background.<\/p>\n

\u201cRight now, users may not know whether the apps they use to pass the time, to check in with their friends, or to find a place to eat, may in fact be passing on information about the photos they\u2019ve taken, the people in their contact list, or location data that reflects where they eat, sleep or pray,\u201d Apple CEO, Tim Cook, said late last month at the Computers, Privacy<\/strong><\/span><\/a> and Data Protection conference.<\/p>\n

Late last year, it forced app providers in iOS to spell out what data they collect through \u201cnutrition labels\u201d in the App Store. The label showing exactly how much Facebook<\/a> Messenger collects, along with Facebook\u2019s<\/a> announcement that it was planning to use data from WhatsApp to advertise products to users, led to the exodus of users to encrypted apps such as Signal.<\/p>\n

The next step for Apple is to allow users to opt out of data collection entirely. In an update to iOS14 to be rolled out in the next few months, Apple will allow users to control what data each app collects and switch it on and off at will.<\/p>\n<\/div>

What Is Facebook\u2019s Response?<\/span><\/strong><\/h3><\/h3><\/div>

The move has been broadly welcomed by privacy groups, but Facebook<\/a> sees Apple\u2019s new privacy controls as a direct assault on its business. Rather than arguing it needs to collect all this data on its users, Facebook<\/a> has framed its objections as preventing small businesses from pinpointing where to place their ads.<\/p>\n

Facebook<\/a> has also argued Apple telling its users what types of data are collected by each app does not provide the context for how it is used. \u201cApple\u2019s new prompt is designed to present a false trade-off between personalized ads and privacy; when in fact we can provide both,\u201d a Facebook<\/a> spokeswoman said. \u201cApple is doing this to self-preference their own services and targeted advertising products.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>

Where Is This Privacy Fight Heading?<\/span><\/strong><\/h3><\/h3><\/div>

Apple is unlikely to back down, with Cook hinting that data collection by companies such as Facebook<\/a> can be blamed for much of the rampant disinformation and conspiracy theories online. \u201cWe can no longer turn a blind eye to a theory of technology that says all engagement is good engagement \u2013 the longer the better \u2013 and all with the goal of collecting as much data as possible,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cToo many are still asking the question, \u2018How much can we get away with?\u2019 when they need to be asking, \u2018What are the consequences?\u2019 \u201cA social dilemma cannot be allowed to become a social catastrophe,\u201d Cook said advertising had existed for decades before technology began collecting vast amounts of data across websites and apps.<\/p>\n

In a result call the day before Cook\u2019s speech, Facebook<\/a> CEO Mark Zuckerberg accused Apple of making the decision based on competitive interests, rather than privacy.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re also seeing Apple\u2019s business depend more and more on gaining share in apps and services against us and other developers,\u201d he said. \u201cApple has every incentive to use their dominant platform position to interfere with how our apps and other apps work, which they regularly do to preference their own.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen you hear people argue that we shouldn\u2019t be doing these things \u2013 or that we should go back to the old days of untargeted television ads \u2013 I think that what they are really arguing for is a regression where only the largest companies have this capacity, small businesses are severely disadvantaged, and competition is diminished.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>

Where Does Google Stand On This?<\/span><\/strong><\/h3><\/h3><\/div>

Google has been much less aggressive about the changes, with the company\u2019s most recent blog post stating it was working to comply with the changes for its apps and advising customers they could see \u201ca significant impact to their Google ad revenue on iOS\u201d after the change.<\/p>\n

But Apple may be gunning for Google\u2019s business, too. The search bar in iOS14 quietly replaced Google\u2019s search results with its own, but it\u2019s a long step from Apple launching its own search engine, and given the debacle when Apple first tried to replace Google Maps in 2012, it is likely to take it slowly.<\/p>\n

Via Facebook v Apple: The Looming Showdown Over Data Tracking and Privacy<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

Facebook vs. Apple<\/h2>\n

In the world of technology, two giants are heading toward a major collision. Facebook vs Apple, a showdown over data tracking and privacy, has ignited a fierce debate among users and businesses alike. With each company taking a different stance, users are left wondering which option to choose.<\/p>\n

On one side, Facebook argues for tailored advertising and personalized experiences, asserting that data tracking is essential for targeted marketing. On the other side, Apple emphasizes user privacy, aiming to protect personal information and give users more control over their data. As the battle intensifies, users must decide where their priorities lie \u2013 in personalized experiences or safeguarding their privacy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In Conclusion<\/h2>\n

The ongoing battle between Facebook and Apple over data tracking and privacy is coming to a head. Both companies have differing approaches toward user data and how it should be handled. Facebook relies heavily on personalized ads and targeted marketing, utilizing user data to fuel its revenue streams.<\/p>\n

Apple has taken a strong stance on privacy, emphasizing the need for user consent and control over their data. The clash between these two tech giants highlights the growing concerns of users and regulators surrounding data privacy. While Facebook argues that personalized ads enhance user experience, Apple has prioritized protecting user privacy by introducing new features such as App Tracking Transparency.<\/p>\n

As this showdown progresses, the outcome will likely have far-reaching implications for the tech industry, influencing the future direction of data tracking and privacy. Whether it leads to greater transparency and user control or further deepens privacy concerns remain to be seen. Nonetheless, this confrontation between Facebook and Apple marks a turning point in the ongoing battle for data privacy in the digital age.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

FAQs:<\/h2>\n

1. What is the conflict between Facebook and Apple?<\/h3>\n

The conflict between Facebook<\/b> and Apple<\/b> stems from their differing approaches to data tracking and privacy. Facebook relies heavily on collecting user data for targeted advertising, while Apple, on the other hand, believes in giving users more control over their personal information.<\/p>\n

2. Why is data tracking important for Facebook?<\/h3>\n

Data tracking is crucial for Facebook because it allows the platform to gather information about user’s online activities, interests, and preferences. This data is then used to deliver targeted advertisements to users, which is a significant source of revenue for the company.<\/p>\n

3. What changes has Apple made regarding data tracking?<\/h3>\n

Apple has introduced a new privacy feature called App Tracking Transparency (ATT), which requires app developers to explicitly ask for user permission before tracking their activities across apps and websites. This change has significant implications for Facebook and other companies heavily reliant on data tracking.<\/p>\n

4. How does App Tracking Transparency impact Facebook?<\/h3>\n

App Tracking Transparency has a direct impact on Facebook’s ability to track user data for advertising purposes. With this new feature, users are presented with a pop-up notification asking for their permission to be tracked. As a result, Facebook is likely to see a decrease in the amount of data it can collect and utilize for targeted advertising.<\/p>\n

5. What are Facebook’s concerns with Apple’s privacy changes?<\/h3>\n

Facebook has expressed concerns that Apple’s privacy changes will negatively affect small businesses that rely on targeted advertising. Since Facebook’s advertising revenue largely comes from small businesses, this change could have a financial impact on both Facebook and its advertisers.<\/p>\n

6. How is Apple justifying its privacy changes?<\/h3>\n

Apple justifies its privacy changes by asserting that users have the right to control their personal information and to know how their data is being used. These changes aim to empower users and give them more transparency and control over their online privacy.<\/p>\n

7. How are other companies responding to Apple’s privacy changes?<\/h3>\n

While some companies, like Facebook, have voiced their concerns and opposition to Apple’s privacy changes, others have embraced them as a step toward improving user privacy. Companies that already prioritize user privacy may use Apple’s changes as a competitive advantage.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Facebook v Apple: The Looming Showdown Over Data Tracking and Privacy<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":22678,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[41,19,18],"tags":[73,217,48,218,51],"class_list":["post-22676","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-facebook","category-news","category-social-media","tag-apple","tag-data-privacy","tag-facebook-2","tag-privacy-controls","tag-social-media"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lsi-media.com\/newlsi2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22676","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lsi-media.com\/newlsi2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lsi-media.com\/newlsi2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lsi-media.com\/newlsi2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lsi-media.com\/newlsi2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=22676"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lsi-media.com\/newlsi2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22676\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lsi-media.com\/newlsi2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/22678"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lsi-media.com\/newlsi2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22676"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lsi-media.com\/newlsi2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=22676"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lsi-media.com\/newlsi2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=22676"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}