Apple to take bite out of Facebook tracking

Apple will introduce a new security feature that stops Facebook automatically tracking a user’s activity on an iPhone and iPad.

Facebook will try to convince users to allow it to track them, even when they are not using their Facebook app on their phone.

Facebook will shortly be confronted with another challenge to its monopolistic power. In a move that could cost the tech titan billions, Apple will introduce a new security feature that stops Facebook automatically tracking a user’s activity on an iPhone and iPad, unless they specifically give permission to Facebook.

The move means the social media giant will know less about users when serving targeted ads.

The decision has deepened an already bitter feud between the two companies. Apple announced the measure last year, and Facebook has vehemently opposed it since, taking out ads in US media and threatening legal action if Apple proceeds.

Sources say Apple is getting close to releasing the new measure officially, with an update to iPhone and iPad software expected shortly.

Apple users currently use the iOS14.4 and iPadOS14.4 operations systems on mobile devices. Apple-centric publications have slated this week or early next month for version 14.5 which contains the new privacy measure.

The new privacy feature doesn’t just impact Facebook. It’s for apps generally, and is designed to stop apps that collect user data and possibly sell it to third parties.

Some users may support Facebook’s measure and agree to be tracked. However, a poll in the US has indicated users are against it.

The survey, conducted by The Wall Street Journal last year, found 85 per cent of people didn’t want apps to trace them.

Opposition to Facebook’s ­mobile tracking might be even stronger now following its move to not only ban news reports on its Australian platform, but also inadvertently remove content from the Facebook pages of Australian emergency services, health, Indigenous services, domestic violence, suburban newsletters, businesses and sporting sites.

To salvage some ground, Facebook has foreshadowed a notice that it will carry on phones and tablets pleading with users to opt in and be tracked.

“This won’t give us access to new types of information,” Facebook says on a mock-up of its app. But it doesn’t preclude Facebook accumulating more existing types of information about you.

The change has deepened an already bitter relationship between Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg and Apple’s Tim Cook. This month, The Wall Street Journal reported that Mr Zuckerberg had privately told his executive team that “we need to inflict pain” on Apple.

Facebook’s newspaper ads against the move were headed: “We’re standing up to Apple for small business everywhere.”

The coming Apple operating system update brings other new features. Users who wear face masks can bypass Face ID and unlock their iPhones if they wear an Apple Watch. And Apple Maps will crowdsource information from drivers about accidents, road surveillance points and traffic hazards.

Users can choose their default music service, so if you use Siri to request a song, it will automatically assume it comes from Spotify if that’s your default. There’s support for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and C controllers.