Apple wants to stop devs from tracking users, and the UK government may soon cancel Wikipedia.
… So you could say it’s just another day in digital marketing.
Reasons, please: Apple’s new privacy rules now require developers to provide a reason why they’re using data-gathering APIs in their apps.
Before, developers could determine the identity of users based on their device and usage data in a process known as “fingerprinting.” But now…
Might as well wear gloves: Starting this autumn, developers will have a list of reasons to choose from that correspond to how their API will be used in the app.
And starting in 2024, developers will have to state those reasons in their API’s privacy manifest. Good to know.
In other news, the UK’s Online Safety Bill is getting close to launch. It just passed scrutiny in the House of Lords and is reaching its final form.
In one sense, it’s not too different from international laws that are changing the online landscape like GDPR.
… But in another sense, it could have huge implications for users in the UK.
Worst case scenario: The bill could force websites like Wikipedia, major encrypted messaging apps like WhatsApp, and other familiar platforms to pull out of the UK entirely.
It could also make UK users go through a burdensome, dragged out age verification process.
Oh, and adult users could find their speech restricted on platforms where they previously expressed themselves more freely.
Of course, this doesn’t have to happen. The rules contained in the bill could focus less on platforms like Wikipedia and more on services that need regulatory oversight, for example.
And the UK government could work with platforms to develop harm reduction plans rather than banning them or encryption outright.
But we’ll have to wait until we know the bill’s final form. Oh the suspense…
