According to Gizmodo , security researchers have just discovered a vulnerability that allows iPhone apps to collect user data through notifications, even when privacy settings are enabled. This raises concerns about privacy on the iOS operating system and questions Apple's commitment to "data on iPhone, stored on iPhone."
iPhone app discovered to be secretly collecting data through notifications.
GIZMODO SCREENSHOT
According to experts at Mysk Inc., a software development company, many popular apps such as Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, Twitter, and countless others are using notifications to circumvent the law and collect user data. Even when users close the app, it can still send device data to servers via notifications.
Researchers discovered that these apps are collecting data such as IP addresses, phone restart times, free storage space, and many other details. By combining this information, companies can identify users with high accuracy.
Mysk stated that this behavior is not limited to a few specific apps or developers, but is a widespread problem within the iPhone ecosystem. Previously, Mysk had also discovered similar vulnerabilities related to Wi-Fi security and the sharing of device analytics data on iPhones. It appears that, despite Apple's efforts to reassure users about privacy, these new findings suggest the company hasn't fully delivered on its commitments.
Companies like Facebook and LinkedIn have refuted the claim, stating that they only collect data through notifications to send more effective notifications, in compliance with Apple's APIs. However, researchers argue that collecting data such as phone restart times or free storage space is unrelated to notification functionality, raising suspicions that the real purpose is to track users and serve advertisements. Apple has yet to comment officially on the matter.
Overall, the findings reveal a serious vulnerability in the iPhone's security system, impacting user privacy. Apple needs to take stronger action to address this issue and ensure transparency in app data collection.
Additionally, users should pay attention to privacy settings on their iPhones and only install apps from reputable developers.
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