Apple depicts privacy in Android as a 'massive tracking device'

In a surprising revelation during the ongoing Google antitrust trial, an internal Apple presentation (via The Verge) from January 2013 has come to light. In the presentation, Apple depicts its views on privacy in Android. The Cupertino giant depicts Android as a “massive tracking device.”

The slides delved into how Apple’s competitors, including Google, managed privacy and user data. It was a part of Apple’s initiative to “Compete on Privacy.” Significant in context, one of Google’s key businesses is Google Ads which requires a lot of information about user interests. On one hand, it’s meant to bring a bit of relevance to the annoying pop-ups. On the other, it supports the development of Android and Google services and keeps them monetarily free.

Let’s come back to the view of Apple on privacy in Android. The presentation outlines a “privacy timeline” that features significant events related to privacy in the 2000s and 2010s. These events include Google’s Street View cars recording private Wi-Fi networks, Instagram’s controversial plans to use user photos in advertisements, and Google’s shift towards combining user data across its services. Apple used this timeline to highlight the differences in how its products approach privacy in comparison to its competitors.

A look back at Apple’s stance on privacy in Android; amid ongoing antitrust trial

While the presentation is partially edited, the bold statement that “Android is a massive tracking device” stands out. It is essential to recognize that all mobile devices, whether running on Android or iOS, engage in various forms of user tracking and data collection, reports 9to5Google.

In iOS 14.5, Apple introduced a groundbreaking feature that allows users to control app tracking for advertising purposes. This move resulted in a significant reduction in tracking on iPhones and was seen as a bold step to empower users.

“We at Apple believe your privacy is our number one priority. That’s why from today we are announcing that we are paying Google $2bn a year to filter search queries towards them so they can continue to profile you but not make any money from device sales.”

The question that arises is whether Apple’s 2013 perception of Android still holds true today. Android has made strides in enhancing user privacy, including improvements in permission control and privacy settings. As the Google antitrust trial unfolds, it will be interesting to see how these competing philosophies on privacy shape the future of both Android and iOS.