Apple delays debut of anti-tracking tool in iPhone software

Apple is delaying a new privacy feature in next version of its iPhone operating system that will make it more difficult for app makers to track people online to help sell digital ads.

decision outlined Thursday affects iOS 14, which is expected to be released as a free software upgrade to roughly a billion iPhone users later this month. Apple intended iOS 14 to automatically block tracking as soon as it came out, but company w says it will hold back tool until early next year.

same safeguard was supposed be in next operating systems for iPads and Apple TVs, too.

feature would require apps to explicitly ask users to permission to collect and share data about ir online behavior through a unique code that identifies every iPhone. That requirement raised fears that most people would block tracking, making it more difficult for free apps to sell ads that generate most of ir revenue.

Currently, apps are automatically given a tracking code unless users of iPhones and or Apple devices go to extra trouble of changing ir privacy controls on ir own.

Facebook, which runs largest digital ad network behind Google, last week warned that new privacy feature in iOS 14 threatened to deliver a major blow to many apps at a time y are already struggling amid a coronavirus-triggered recession.

Although Apple is postponing new anti-tracking tool, Cuperti, California, company emphasized that it shouldn't be interpreted as a sign it is backing down from its outspoken commitment to protect privacy of its customers as a “fundamental right.”

“We want to give developers time y need to make necessary changes" to apps and advertising models, company said in a statement.

Apple's postponement disappointed those trying to combat digital surveillance that's inherent in online tracking, said Craig Danuloff, CEO of Privacy Co., which recently introduced its own privacy app to help protect iPhone users from prying eyes.

“One can only see this delay as harming millions of users who do t at all understand level of tracking that’s going on," Danuloff said.