Before the end of this month, Apple will announce the latest version of its iOS software update, which will allow users to know when an app is using location data of the users in the background.
Facebook clarifies its data collection policies
With the new software update to iPhones called iOS 13, users will now get informational pop-ups that will notify them of data collection by apps in the background. This will include location data collection, as well. Facebook is preparing for the update in advance. The social media giant recently published a blog post detailing its use of location data.
Facebook is one of the most controversial companies in the tech circles as far as privacy is concerned. Pop-ups about location data collection could unsettle some iPhone users after the update because of which Facebook wants to come clean.
The company’s blog states,
“Your Android or iOS location settings allow you to control when you share your device’s precise location with apps like Facebook. That’s why we’re letting you know that Android and iOS have released new versions of their operating systems, which include updates to how you can view and manage your location.”
Why is location data at the center of this issue?
Location data is important for apps like Maps which can help people navigate their way. Apps like Facebook also gain location access of the users for purposes like check-ins. However, the information is also prone to abuse and apps may contain location information without informing the users.
The new Apple update will tell users that Facebook sought their location x number of times over the past x number of days. It will even tell them specifically about the locations at which Facebook wanted the user’s coordinates. Facebook explained that the new update would show map markings to reveal where data was accessed and the reason that the app was asking for such information.
Apple is expected to reveal its new phones in less than two weeks. Typically, the company releases new versions of the iOS within two weeks of the launch. When releasing its background location feature in June this year, the company’s senior vice president of software engineering specified that the privilege of enabling useful user experiences shouldn’t be used to track them.
It is not just Apple that will receive the updates. Android’s version 10 is also expected to have more detailed location sharing options for users.
