Apple's chief software engineer, Craig Federighi, has warned developers to "play by the rules" when referring to Apple's upcoming anti-tracking policy for iOS 14. Anyone who violates the new policy risks being banned from the App Store.
Early next year, iOS 14 will require apps to get users' consent to collect their random advertising identifier, which is used by advertisers to deliver and track personalized ads. While the feature was originally supposed to roll out at the launch of iOS 14, Apple delayed it to early 2021 to give developers more time to adapt. Major app developers and ad networks like Facebook have since spoken out against the feature, claiming that Apple's anti-tracking efforts are anti-competitive and will negatively impact small businesses. Apple responded by saying that the company is concerned about users being tracked without their consent and that their data is being resold in bulk by ad networks. The whole thing can be "invasive" and "creepy," according to Apple.
iOS 14 advertising tracking: Violation of the policy leads to exclusion from the App Store
Although Apple announced the introduction of the new policy delay All apps will be expected to comply with Apple's transparency rules for app tracking once they come into force. Speaking to The Telegraph explained Craig Federighi:
There will be enforcement of the policy. Any form or mechanism of tracking a user for advertising or providing information to data brokers will have to ask for permission. Failure to do so is a violation of App Store policy… and grounds for an app to be removed.
Federighi also stressed that Apple expects advertisers to adapt to the change, explaining that social media platforms have no choice but to adapt to the new policy: "The biggest players understand that they have to play by the rules here," he told The Telegraph, adding that despite the inevitable "lively debate," he believed they would work towards a solution. (Photo by yalcin.sonat / Bigstockphoto)
