Apple today reminded developers that the App Tracking Transparency (ATT) rules will be enforced starting with the launch of iOS 14.5, iPadOS 14.5, and tvOS 14.5.
When these updates are released, developer obtain explicit permission to access a device's IDFA or advertising identifier to track users across apps and websites for ad targeting purposes.
Make sure your apps are ready for iOS 14.5, iPadOS 14.5, and tvOS 14.5. With the upcoming public release, all apps must use the AppTrackingTransparency framework to obtain user permission for tracking or access to their device's advertising identifier. If you don't obtain user permission to enable tracking, the value of the device's advertising identifier will be set to zero, and you won't be allowed to track them. When submitting your app for review, any other form of tracking—for example, by name or email address—must be declared in the "App Store Privacy Information" section of the product page and may only be performed if permission is granted through AppTrackingTransparency. You must also include a purpose string in the system query to explain why you want to track the user, per App Store Review Guideline 5.1.2(i). These requirements apply to all apps starting with the public release of iOS 14.5, iPadOS 14.5, and tvOS 14.5.
iOS 14.5 & Co.: Apple warns developers against alternative methods
Going further, Apple clarifies that developers are not allowed to use specific device data with the intention of creating a user's fingerprint to replace the IDFA, something Chinese app developers and mobile measurement companies have already done.
Collecting device and usage data with the intent to derive a unique representation of a user, or fingerprinting, continues to violate the Apple Developer Program License Agreement.
In early March, Apple warned app developers against using alternative methods to collect user data for tracking purposes. Last week, several app updates were released by developers rejectedthat use an SDK from mobile measurement company Adjust, which uses data like software version and battery level to track users. The entire framework for app tracking transparency is already in place, and some developers have already started asking users for IDFA access permission. But it will be a requirement for all apps that use the IDFA when iOS 14.5 and the like are released. We don't yet know when iOS 14.5 will be released to all users, but it's safe to assume that the updates will be released sometime in April. (Photo by ADCstock / Bigstockphoto)
