Apple introduced its new App Tracking Transparency feature in iOS 14, which allows users to choose whether or not to let apps track their activity across other companies’ apps and websites. This feature is a significant step towards enhancing user privacy and giving users more control over their data.
The setting is turned off by default, meaning no apps would track you unless you explicitly allow them to. Users can switch it on and then allow individual apps to track them or not, providing a granular level of control over their privacy settings.
Initial Issues with the Feature
However, some users encountered an issue where the toggle switch to allow apps to request to track them was greyed out, making it impossible to change the setting. This problem was frustrating for users who wanted to take advantage of the new privacy feature but found themselves unable to do so.
A number of users who previously had this issue have now reported that the toggle is no longer greyed out and you can switch it on and off. This indicates that Apple has addressed the problem, although the exact method of resolution remains unclear.
Apple seems to be finally fixing grayed out App Tracking Transparency toggle in iOS 14 https://t.co/7IiUTJb4nj by @filipeesposito
— 9to5Mac.com (@9to5mac) May 19, 2021
Possible Fixes and User Reports
It is not clear as yet how Apple resolved the issue. It appears to have been fixed without a software update, unless it was fixed in the last update and some changes made to turn it back on. Some users speculate that the fix might have been implemented server-side, allowing Apple to address the issue without requiring users to download a new update.
The App Tracking Transparency feature has been a topic of significant discussion since its announcement. It represents a shift in how user data is handled and shared, with a focus on transparency and user consent. This change has been welcomed by privacy advocates but has faced criticism from some companies that rely on tracking for advertising purposes.
For example, Facebook has been vocal about its opposition to the feature, arguing that it could hurt small businesses that rely on targeted advertising. On the other hand, many users appreciate the increased control over their personal data and the ability to make informed choices about which apps can track their activity.
In addition to resolving the greyed-out toggle issue, Apple has provided extensive documentation and support to help users understand the new feature. This includes detailed explanations of how tracking works, what data is collected, and how users can manage their settings.
Overall, the introduction of App Tracking Transparency is a significant step forward in user privacy. By giving users more control over their data and making tracking more transparent, Apple is setting a new standard for privacy in the tech industry. As more users become aware of these features and how to use them, it is likely that we will see a shift in how data is collected and used across the industry.
Source 9 to 5 Mac
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