---
title: "Link 003: Does Apple Value Privacy?"
date: 2022-02-14T13:20:52-07:00
draft: false
---

We need to talk about how Apple is normalizing surveillance. [Wired, October, 2021.](https://www.wired.co.uk/article/apple-surveillance-technology)

"Apple is demonstrating that privacy can sell. About 94 per cent of American users opted out of data collection when Apple gave them the choice."

But there's a catch...

"Indeed, once one starts scratching the surface, Apple’s contribution to the development of invasive technologies and the normalisation of surveillance becomes evident. Apple created the Bluetooth beacons tracking people in shops, gyms, hotels, airports and more by connecting to their phones. Apple’s usage of Face ID as a way to unlock the iPhone has contributed to normalising facial recognition. Its AirTag – a small device that can be stuck to personal items in order to track them – has caused concerns among privacy advocates that they will make it easier to track people. The Apple Watch, as the most advanced wearable on the market, leads us one step closer to under-the-skin surveillance, which can read our bodies and emotions. Most recently, Apple has developed a tool that can scan photos in people’s devices in search of child abuse material. While the objective is noble, the tool could be used for less ethical purposes and, according to security expert Bruce Schneier, it effectively breaks end-to-end encryption – the most powerful way we currently have to protect the privacy of our devices. (Apple later decided to pause its plans to roll out the tool.)"