iOS 13 Warns Users Of A Potential Privacy Risk When Using Facebook

With the new iOS 13, there are tons of improvements to enhance privacy – starting with the sign-in option with Apple ID. Sure, when it comes to utilizing Apple’s own services on the iPhone/iPad, you should not have an issue. But, what about third-party applications like Facebook?

Facebook is infamous for collecting data without users’ consent. How will the new software affect such services?

While we were wondering about it – there are now reports that Facebook app is asking for unwanted access permission, which has been spotted on phones running iOS 13.

All thanks to the new iPhone software, it helps to identify Facebook app as a privacy risk. Take a look at it here:

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This looks like it is asking you for your consent. 🤷‍♂️

— Mat | Single T | Smoose (@SmooseJuice) September 16, 2019

Business Insider spotted that the users who opted to upgrade to iOS 13 Gold Master version (which is basically the final build) have noticed a notification that says – “Facebook Would Like To Use Bluetooth”.

As you can see in the tweet above, it is asking for user’s consent. But, it does not require accessing Bluetooth in the first place. So, it also points to a possible fact that it was collecting the data without any consent before iOS 13 update, which is shocking.

With access to Bluetooth, Facebook can track your physical location accurately and also monitor proximity to other smartphones. It is something shady indeed.

Even though Android has better control over permissions, there are applications which still ask for unnecessary permissions. If it was just another third party application – anyone could have ignored it. But, if it is something that you want to use but still do not want to risk your privacy, that is something annoying. So, iOS 13 has definitely come a long way protecting user’s privacy.

Of course, one thing is for certain – if you opt in to use Facebook’s service in the first place, you should not expect the best privacy features. We can just hope that Facebook resolves this situation.

What do you think of this? Do you use Facebook? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Ankush Das
Categories: Cellphones
Tags: Facebook, ios 13