Facebook Preps Users for Apple's New Location Tracking Alerts in iOS 13

[MacRumors]

Facebook has attempted to pre-empt awkward questions about privacy ahead of the launch of iOS 13, with a blog post explaining what Apple's new location data alerts mean for users of its mobile app.

As we've covered elsewhere, Apple has doubled down on its privacy features in iOS 13, giving iPhone and iPad users a more granular view of how third-party apps access their location information - something that's obviously of concern to Facebook.

In a blog post titled "Understanding Updates to Your Device's Location Settings," the social network company highlights the fact that pop-up notifications now let users know when an app is using their location in the background, and even show a map of the location data that the app has tracked. The alerts also make users aware of how often apps are tracking them and their motivation for doing so.

Facebook points out that while iOS 12 gives users the option to allow apps access to precise location information "Always," "While Using the App" or "Never," iOS 13 adds an additional "Allow Once" option for permitting restricted one-time access. The social media giant clearly wants users to know that regardless of these changes, "Facebook is better with location..."

It powers features like check-ins and makes planning events easier. It helps improve ads and keep you and the Facebook community safe. Features like Find Wi-Fi and Nearby Friends use precise location even when you're not using the app to make sure that alerts and tools are accurate and personalized for you.

It's no secret that Facebook harvests huge amounts of data on all of its users, but the company is clearly trying to allay concerns when the alerts start rolling in on Facebook users' devices once they've updated to iOS 13.

Apple usually releases new versions of iOS one or two weeks after it unveils new iPhones. Apple's iPhone event takes place today at 10:00 a.m Pacific Time, so we should see iOS 13 drop relatively soon. MacRumors will be providing live coverage of today's event both here on MacRumors.com and on the MacRumorsLive Twitter account. Stay tuned.

Article Link: Facebook Preps Users for Apple's New Location Tracking Alerts in iOS 13

 

[Dustin Lenzz]

‘Book’ em, Timmo!!

 

[martyjmclean]

I can't wait for Facebook to add pop-ups before the system pop-ups, bullying you into handing over more locations, contacts and photos than they need!

 

[TonyC28]

Facebook: Uh oh, people are about to find out we are tracking them way more than they realize.

 

[twinlight]

Should have popups for apps using and apps that want to use.

There you are browsing the web and suddenly iOS asks you ”Facebook is using your microphone. Are you okay with this?”

No. No I am not okay with this. I haven’t had the app opened for an hour. So you press no. And suddenly the ads about stuff you have been talking about for the last hour disappear..

 

[Classie]

Wow... I didn’t know this was included in iOS13! More of this please; let the user know when things are being used/tracked! Pop-up, symbols, sounds... the first step is to late people know what is going on and then they can decide for them selves.

 

[chrono1081]

Facebook: Uh oh, people are about to find out we are tracking them way more than they realize.

After installing the iOS 13 beta, I noticed popups asking for Bluetooth usage. So many apps want Bluetooth usage (and never explain why so they always get a No from me). On iOS 12, they're just granted it.

After the beta they're going to have to provide a description string as to why they need it.

 

[-BigMac-]

People STILL have Facebook? Hahaha

If only there was a mandatory pop up every time it randomly wanted to use your mic

 

[thisisnotmyname]

It helps improve ads

The only one you needed to know

 

[WRChris]

Heads up we track everything you do for your own safety. It’s just not safe having private location data restricted from your friends and our ads. How sweet of you facetrash

 

[0815]

whoever is still using facebook does not care about privacy and giving up location info and more to facebook to make more and more money.

Even some disagree, using or not using facebook is a choice - I had an account in the early years, was a pain to completely delete but I can assure you, you survive without an account (using old fashioned means to stay in contact like a trusted email provider, text message, .... etc)

 

[5105973]

When I was on FB I was perfectly capable of texting, emailing and posting to my friends and family where I was, where I would be, and when and where I wanted to meet up with any of them. I didn't need the intrusive spy app tracking me and broadcasting my every move to all and sundry. Every time they automated and personalized something, they made it more annoying to the point I made my account dormant and haven't been back way before all the public scandals broke out.

I do not want to ever go back but I do find a lot of schools and parent organizations coordinate everything through FB. That's very annoying. I then have to get the information passed along to me. But so be it.

I initially liked FB but came to loathe it. I applaud anything Apple does to trip up their data mooching.

 

[0815]

After installing the iOS 13 beta, I noticed popups asking for Bluetooth usage. So many apps want Bluetooth usage (and never explain why so they always get a No from me). On iOS 12, they're just granted it.

After the beta they're going to have to provide a description string as to why they need it.

yes, that was a total shocker how many apps accessed bluetooth for no good reason and without me knowing. Thanks Apple for making everyone aware of it. Keep up the good work it exposing the intruders.

 

[B4U]

Until these criminals are caught red-handed AGAIN.

 

[zsbradt]

What do all the apps use Bluetooth for? I don't understand what the practical application of it would be but there's a bunch of apps that have apparently requested it. I'd rather have most of them turned off now that I realize they're all there like that.

 

[BootsWalking]

The more light Apple can shine on rogue, privacy-harvesting companies like Facebook the better. It's like turning the kitchen light on and watching the roaches scatter.

 

[illmatic41]

The social media giant clearly wants users to know that regardless of these changes, "Facebook is better with location..."

Better for who?

 

[FatMax]

What do all the apps use Bluetooth for? I don't understand what the practical application of it would be but there's a bunch of apps that have apparently requested it. I'd rather have most of them turned off now that I realize they're all there like that.

Bluetooth Beacons is considered to be the next big thing in retail, so they can track accurately where you are in a mall, store, etc. All to serve you better ads as you stand in an isle looking at something specific for a little while. It can even be to give precise indoor location in for example an airport or other big buildings struggling with GPS. I believe apples frameworks should handle indoor locations instead, ensuring us just a little bit more privacy than if just anyone can do it.

 

[WaxedJacket]

"Friends and family, please call or email me if you would like to know what I've been up to."

*promptly deletes Facebook account*

 

[pweicks]

Hahahaha love just watching Facebook sweat. What a pile of BS.

 

[BWhaler]

Zuck and Sheryl Sandberg are the tobacco CEOs of the Information Age. Peddling their poison while lying about the ramifications.

I am so proud and thankful to Apple and to Tim Cook for his leadership. This, above all, is why I remain an Apple customer.

 

[TMRJIJ]

Facebook right now before the unveiling of iOS 13:

 

[MisterSavage]

It seems every iOS release these days gives us tighter and tighter controls over what is shared with third parties. Love it.

 

[Defthand]

A nice baby step towards more privacy control. I say baby step because Apple could have allowed a network monitoring utility like Little Snitch to exist on iOS but they don't. Utilities like Little Snitch inform users of every network server connection that an app or webpage attempts to make, and lets the user grant or deny that connection either temporarily or permanently. It stops much of the affiliate data collection and tracking in its tracks. The caveat is that the user has to know which server domain is serving essential content for the app or webpage's function, and which server domains are leeches. Some domains have obvious titles that hint at their purpose. For more cryptic ones, trial-and-error permissions will reveal their purpose. Of course, users need patience to use such a tool. Many don't and prefer that others handle it.

 

[TonyC28]

So is this saying that even though people have “while using the app” selected for Location Services the app still uses the location in the background? Or just that people who haven’t selected that option will now be prompted about it?