Apple updated its terms of use for developers this week with a new section aimed at protecting user privacy . The same, alluding to the “application tracking transparency” implies that an app or developer must have the explicit consent of the user to track their activity. To do this, an app tracking transparency API must be used.
Today we know that Google is looking to develop an anti-tracking feature for Android similar to the one Apple is rolling out with iOS 14.5, according to Bloomberg .
Curiously, Google has always been in the crosshairs of different security organizations due precisely to the tracking it carries out of user activity. Now it seems that the firm wants that if someone is going to “spy” on their clients, what better than to be themselves, without third-party interference.
Be careful, we are not talking about your mobile being tapped and they are listening to you, but about the data handled by the applications downloaded to your Android.
Android anti-tracking system
According to different information, the technology giant is in the early stages of exploring how it can limit data collection and monitoring by applications within its mobile operating system. However, there is a basic difference with Apple and that is that Google seeks to find a less strict solution than Apple’s in order not to completely harm its advertising partners.
We know that those in Cupertino will require developers to request permission from users to collect the advertiser ID code from their devices, with an upcoming iOS update. That code allows advertisers to track user activity on apps and websites, allowing them to serve targeted ads. This has sparked some controversy as companies like Facebook warned developers that the feature could sink ad revenue from apps.
Bloomberg, who is the one who breaks the news, ensures that Google is likely to lower its requirements and not require developers to implement a message asking users to opt for data tracking, since almost none of the customers would accept these conditions.
From what little is known right now, the company is trying to find a way to balance the privacy demands of consumers with the financial needs of developers and advertisers, and it doesn’t seem easy to find a middle ground between consumer and advertiser.
It is likely that with the next release of Android 12 it will be clearer to us if Google is going to opt for the user side, or the advertiser’s side.