Most people are not interested in trackers. Since iOS 14.5, iPhone users can tap ‘spying’ apps and websites and choose not to share data. American research shows that most people do this too.
‘Most people block trackers in iOS 14.5’
Protecting privacy is increasingly becoming a ‘feature’. Research company Flurry states that only 11 percent of all iPhones with iOS 14.5 fully accept trackers. 4 percent of people accept some form of tracking. One app is allowed to place trackers in this group, while the other app is not.
All in all, 89 percent of all iPhones on iOS 14.5 block app tracking to a greater or lesser extent. If we only look at Americans, this percentage is even 96 percent. Thus, the iOS 14.5 privacy feature appears to be very effective.
About the research
Flurry is owned by Verizon Media, the media arm of the US telecom provider. Flurry’s technology is used in more than 1 million iPhone apps, allowing the company to use the data from a total of 2 billion smartphones for this study. The research is continuously supplemented via the Flurry website.
What do trackers do?
Since iOS 14.5, which came out more than a week ago, apps have to ask iPhone users if they can place trackers. Trackers follow people across the internet with the aim of collecting as much data about their behavior as possible.
By placing trackers apps and websites earn more money because they can show more personal (and thus more lucrative) advertisements to users.
Apple’s measure has caused a lot of controversy. Facebook, for example, is a fierce opponent. Mark Zuckerberg’s company says blocking trackers is bad for the advertising industry.
Facebook and Instagram therefore explicitly ask whether they can install trackers on the iPhones. According to the apps, this is necessary for survival. Without placing trackers, people may have to pay for the apps in the future, Facebook threatens.
Read more: Apple vs Facebook: Years of battle between two tech giants is nearing climax