Don’t use Chrome or Google App — Apple warns iPhone users

American multinational technology company, Apple, has urged iPhone users to stop using Google Chrome, warning that the browser falls short on privacy protections.

According to a report by Forbes, “Unlike Chrome,” Apple said, “Safari truly helps protect your privacy.”

The company’s caution now extends to concerns over secretive fingerprinting, and Chrome is not the only Google tool Apple urged users to avoid.

According to Apple, “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 out.”

Digital fingerprinting has resurfaced strongly this year after Google reversed its ban on the technique, which remains hidden from users and cannot be disabled. While tracking cookies allow opt-outs, fingerprinting does not, raising fresh concerns for user privacy.

Fingerprinting creates a trackable identity by pulling together various unrelated data points from a device. Apple is not alone in trying to block this practice, as Mozilla has also updated Firefox to obscure those signals. Users can check if their device can be fingerprinted or if its identity is being masked through available online tools.

Apple noted that Safari offers AI-based tracking prevention, private browsing and safeguards against location harvesting, arguing that Chrome does not match these features.

The company also highlighted that “Safari works seamlessly with Google Docs, Google Sheets and Google Slides.”

However, Apple warned that Google’s close integration may still pose risks even for Safari users. Those using Google as Safari’s default search engine will see a highlighted link to the Google App at the bottom of search pages — a one-tap redirect that is easy to activate unintentionally.

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Apple said the Google App collects even more user data linked to identity than Chrome. Its warning applies equally to both products, urging users to avoid tapping the blue “Try app” button if they want to maintain private browsing in Safari.

Despite repeated privacy alerts, Chrome remains the world’s dominant browser, with billions continuing to use it.

Apple insisted that users who choose Chrome are making a clear decision to accept tracking. For those opting for the Google App instead, the company advised being fully aware of the extent of its data collection before proceeding.

(Forbes)

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