Apple has issued a fresh new warning to it’s iPhone users . The warning states to avoid using Google’s Chrome browser and instead use Apple’s own Safari browser. This warning to iPhone users is due to the fact that Safari browser protects users from ”Fingerprinting”, which is a new way of tracking users by websites. Google’s Chrome however does not protect users from these trackers.
This warning from the Cupertino tech giant is a big one since Google’s Chrome browser enjoys a massive user base of over 3 billion users. Therefore although Apple recognises that the decision to choose a browser is the users, yet it emphasises that one should use Safari. For users prioritising privacy Apple says should not shift to Google’s Chrome from the safari.
What is Fingerprinting?
Fingerprinting takes a raft of unrelated data points from your phone and combines these into a trackable identity.
Digital fingerprinting has made an alarming comeback this year, with Google reversing its ban on this secretive technology that cannot be disabled. Given tracking cookies offer opt-outs, it’s bad news for users that want to avoid fingerprinting.
Is Apple alone in protecting users?
Apple isn’t alone in introducing new technology to block this by falsifying those signals. Mozilla has updated Firefox in a similar way. You can check whether your device can be fingerprinted or is masking your identity here.
What does Apple say on fingerprinting?
Apple says “Safari works to prevent advertisers and websites from using the unique combination of characteristics of your device to create a ‘fingerprint’ to track you. To combat fingerprinting, Safari presents a simplified version of the system configuration so more devices look identical to trackers, making it harder to single yours”.
