How to use Apple’s new game-changing privacy feature

Apple has iOS 14.3 launched, introducing a new game-changing privacy feature. Here’s how to use it.

This week Apple launched iOS 14.3, bringing with it a handful of cool new iPhone features. Perhaps the biggest change of these is the new privacy “nutrition leaflets” which detail the data an app collects about you on the Apple App Store page.

Among the benefits, the privacy tabs in iOS 14.3 let you know the information an app collects about you – such as your location or phone number – before you even download it. That means you can evaluate whether the app is worth trading off before you decide to install it on your iPhone.

Apple made the app’s privacy tags a requirement from Dec. 8, and they appear on the page as iOS 14.3. So how do you use them, and what privacy red flags do you need to look out for?

How to use the new iOS 14.3 privacy tabs

The iPhone’s privacy tabs are easy to find – once you’ve upgraded to iOS 14.3, go to the Apple App Store and click on the app you’re considering downloading or purchasing. Then scroll down the app page to the Privacy App, where you’ll find the detailed privacy label.

The first section, “Data Used for Your Finding” shows the data that may be used to track you on your iPhone for advertising purposes – for example, your contact information.

The next section “Data Connected to You” is the information that the app can collect and link to your identity – for example your location or contact information. The front page shows this in general, and if you click through you will see more details (for example, a place may be a “detailed location” and / or a “rough place”.

The next section is the data that is not related to you – in many cases, usage or diagnostic data.

The data collected by apps may vary depending on the permissions you grant, or your age and other factors related to data protection regulation such as EU GDPR.

Some apps collect a lot more data than others

Now some apps collect a lot more data than others. I started with the Apple TV app, because this is one I use at home. Related information includes purchase and contact information and device IDs.

I also took a look at the Facebook app, which I deleted on my iPhone some time ago and which I use on a browser from time to time. Now it’s no surprise that the Facebook list is quite high, as you can see from the thumbnail below from the “Data Used for Your Search” section.

The “Data Linked to You” section is also on a long checklist including your scan history and browsing history.

I asked for a comment on Facebook and will update this article if the company responds

iOS 14.3 privacy tabs – how to select the apps you download

There is no doubt that the new iOS 14.3 privacy tabs are useful, but how do you decide which apps are safe? It depends on who you trust, and in some cases the data that an app collects can trigger alarm bells. For example, why does a particular app need access to your location? If it’s for the weather, you need to know where you are, but not so much for a TV app.

Also remember that you can change your permissions for apps in your iPhone’s privacy settings, so downloading an app doesn’t automatically allow it to automatically access all data it asks for. . You can also disable the ability to follow apps using my guide.

“The easy-to-use readable leaflets are a great step forward for privacy and will make it easier for users to decide whether free apps and services are worth trading with their own personal data,” says Jake Moore , a cybersecurity expert at ESET.

A word of warning

But at the same time, don’t rely on the privacy sheets alone when downloading an iPhone app. They are only a guide.

“It’s important for users to know that App Privacy is automatically reported by the company that makes the app, and not audited by Apple,” warns Johnny Lin , a former Apple engineer and creator of Lockdown Privacy, an app that blocks trackers.

“Just because the privacy of an app looks good, that doesn’t mean you should immediately feel safe giving away all of your personal data. The goal of App Privacy is to raise public awareness about privacy and tracking, without giving people a green light about app use. “

In general, Moore advises you to think carefully before downloading any iPhone app. “If you have an app, free or paid, that you can use just once or twice wanting to find out your name, location, phone number and access your photos and data Another note, I would seriously consider whether the trade value is worth it. Do you need that app? “

I agree. With iOS 14, Apple has given iPhone users much more control over their data, providing clarity on how information will be used. The privacy tabs, along with other iOS 14 privacy options, are definitely a powerful tool.