Facebook just decided to challenge Apple bluntly and straightforwardly. It ran Newspapers ads against iOS 14 privacy changes.
According to Macrumors, media outlets like the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Washington Post ran full-page ads on Wednesday. They showed Facebook’s clear stand against Apple’s new iOS 14 privacy changes.
“We’re standing up to Apple for small businesses everywhere.”
Mark Zuckerberg’s company says that the latest iOS version’s rules about data gathering and targeted ads aren’t good for small businesses.
iOS 14 Privacy and its implications
During mid-2020, in its WWDC virtual event, Apple introduced its newest iOS software for its devices. What it meant for Facebook and other companies was restricting their ability to track user data. Also, it limits them from sending targeted ads.
In the latest version, Apple made an “Identifier for Advertisers.” It is used by the social networking giant and its other partners. This enables the users to have clarity over ads they don’t want to see. And thus, they will go for the option of not being tracked. It applies to apps as wells as many websites.
The new iOS 14 privacy changes provide a great option to the iPhone users of disabling ad tracking. A separate “Tracking” section is also present in the Settings of devices supporting the latest software. It gives total control to consumers to completely stay free from all ads.
This was a huge step against privacy issues by the iPhone maker.
However, it seems like Facebook and many other firms don’t like such modifications at all. And with the full-page Newspaper ads, their “dislikes” can be felt straight away.
Apple vs. Others: Battle for users’ data safety
Facebook, in its explanation, has clearly said that limiting targeted ads will result in fewer sales for small businesses. And the ads displayed without tracking will affect all new online sellers who are not big enough in revenues.
On the other hand, Apple has valid reasons for new changes to its operating system. In fact, it previously also responded to Facebook by saying that it tries “to collect as much data as possible across both first and third party products to develop and monetize detailed profiles of their users, and this disregard for user privacy continues to expand to include more of their products.”
The ongoing battle for user data safety has led to heated tensions between the iPhone maker and its competitors.
It will be interesting to see what more the iOS 14 privacy improvements can do in the coming months because there will be further updates arriving in the next year.
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