Apple’s Safari browser will now block the technology that companies like Google and Facebook use to track you across the web. Facebook was shown onstage as the example of what could be blocked, which is the third time Apple has shown ways to limit FB during this keynote. #WWDC18
In terms of big tech public rivalries, it’s increasingly looking like Apple vs. Facebook is the new Apple vs. Microsoft. Although the issues at hand are obviously very different.
For those who haven’t been following, what Apple announced today is Safari essentially blocking the ability for FB to create “dark profiles” of people based on their web history, which is what Zuck was grilled about in DC. Also affects actual FB accounts
Safari blocking web trackers used by Facebook and Google is the perfect example of why Apple is the wealthiest company in the world. And why software companies like FB are building more of their own hardware.
When you own the underlying platforms, you have all the leverage.
When you own the underlying platforms, you have all the leverage.
To be clear, I’m not saying Apple is totally in the right. They stand a lot to gain by using Facebook’s recent scandals as a foil to make themselves look good and push a marketing point: privacy. It’s just interesting to watch how this is turning into a bigger rivalry.
Facebook’s chief security officer wading into the discussion today re: Apple’s new stance on blocking 3rd party web trackers used by Facebook
