Apple has always been boasting about its security and privacy features; however, several apps have been bypassing Apple’s privacy rules and gathering data.
In fact, the perpetrators are prominent apps like Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X and they collect data through notifications.
Read on to find out all the details!
Meta, LinkedIn Bypass Apple’s Privacy Guidelines
This revelation was brought into the open through some tests conducted by security researchers at Mysk Inc., an app development company.
As per these researchers, these apps gather unnecessary information that is related to analytics, advertising, and user tracking. This information is collected when notifications are dismissed, and are a violation of Apple’s rules and regulations.
Typically, apps collect data only when active, and closing an app means that data transmission will be stopped. However, notifications seem to be a loophole.
The Cupertino-based tech giant offers tailored software to streamline app notifications therefore enabling applications to create sounds or access information even when the apps are not actively in use.
Additionally, in certain situations, the iPhone OS allows a brief activation of the app in order to connect with the company server, deliver notifications, and perform essential tasks.
Security Experts’ Observations Regarding Data Harvesting
As per security experts’ observations, during this short period of activity, data harvesting occurs, collecting information that might seem unrelated to notification processing. The stolen data is probably used for fingerprinting. This is a technique that identifies users based on harmless device details.
The spokespeople of Meta and LinkedIn have refuted the allegations and maintained that the data collected is used only for ensuring proper notification functionality. They have also stated that they have followed Apple’s developer guidelines.
However, researchers have stated that the widespread nature of this data-collection practice is quite astonishing.
Mysk has previously uncovered privacy concerns with Apple as well. In the past, Mysk has identified issues with iPhone features designed to protect user privacy. The latest results of the data have now raised doubts about the effectiveness of Apple’s privacy measures along with the potential misuse of data collection for advertising.
