Apple’s iOS 14.5 update: the impact of tracking-related changes

Written By

alex dixie Module
Alex Dixie

Partner
UK

I bring a unique blend of deep technical understanding and commercial pragmatism to the rapidly evolving digital landscape. As a Partner in Bird & Bird's Commercial and Data teams and Global Head of Media, I guide clients through the complex interplay of technology, regulation, and business strategy in the advertising, media, and entertainment sectors.

On 26 April 2021 in its iOS 14.5 update, Apple released both a fresh set of updates for iPhone users and also one of the most significant and controversial changes to user privacy settings that Apple – and the industry - has ever seen.

Alongside new emojis and more sophisticated face ID unlocking when wearing a mask, Apple launched App Tracking Transparency (ATT), which requires those offering apps on the App Store to request consent before tracking user activity across other companies' apps and websites. In other words, Apple has now placed strict controls on the tracking activities that companies have been undertaking extensively, lucratively and invisibly for nearly a decade, giving users unprecedented control over how their data is tracked and used.

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