new iOS for iPhones

[Popeye]

For those of us who use iPhones, the new iOS update released yesterday (?) is pretty significant from a privacy standpoint. Users can opt out of giving universal access to your IDFA, or "identifier for advertisers". (IDFA is unique to Apple, although Google / Android has the equivalent.) I am not an expert, but as I understand it, the IDFA contains a variety of information about your history (purchases, web sites used), and is available to anyone. I do not know specifically what is included in the IDFA (for example, does it include your name; does it contain specific information or general trends - e.g. "visited a car site" vs. "visited BCF").

There is a good article summarizing the changes in today's Wall Street Journal (access requires a subscription ), as well as a piece in Harvard Business Review (free), which covers how businesses should react, given the reduction in available personal information. > Apple Is Changing How Digital Ads Work. Are Advertisers Prepared? <

I won't advocate my position, but suggest folks read up.

 

[PAUL161]

I use an iPhone and usually as long as it's plugged in overnight, it automatically updates. I'll plug it in tonight and see what happens in the morning. Thanks, Mike for the update info. PJ

 

[Basil]

Thanks for the info. I'll probably update this weekend.