Data privacy: Why Meta, Google may have a tough time toeing Apple’s line

Data privacy: Why Meta, Google may have a tough time toeing Apple’s line

Dubai: Are you a web surfer and frequent social media user who has no issues with passing on your precious consumer data? Or, are you the sort who will not let any tech giant – and marketing company - use that info to get to know your preferences better? More UAE users – and those elsewhere - are starting to think about ring-fencing their data, dismissing outright the cookie usage requests that pop up each time you get into a new site. If so, they will play their part in empowering Apple in their ongoing privacy battle with Meta (formerly Facebook) in how user data must be shared. “Apple has often been described as a pro-consumer privacy company,” said Alex Malouf, Board Member at the advertising and marketing industry grouping PRCA MENA. “With Android, the operating system is from Google, which in itself is the world's largest advertising platform. “You can be certain that there are Android users who are also concerned about privacy and do not want to be targeted by ads - just like those who own an Apple iPhone. Overall, the online ad industry does have to address the issue of transparency with consumers.” Meta last week