In this week’s Cyber Blurbs, we take a look at Google’s implementation of end-to-end encryption on its phone service, Apple’s next step in supporting user privacy, and the financial impact of Apple’s privacy changes.
Google Fi Now Supporting Encrypted Calls
Perhaps you’ve been part of the select few that hasn’t yet seen the short, unskippable Google Fi advertisements on YouTube. Here you are, just trying to watch Mila Kunis struggle to crush some of the spiciest chicken wings on the planet, when suddenly you’re hit with an animated clip coupled with a catchy tune that’s trying to sell you on something. You have no idea what you just watched. But by the 14th time in the span of a week, you have no choice but to realize the ad is trying to sell you on Google’s phone service provider.
So now that you know Google Fi is a thing, let us tell you why it’s a solid offering for those with an affinity for privacy. Google announced plans to enable end-to-end encryption (E2EE) as the default option for its voice calls. We’ve talked about E2EE a fair bit in the past, but ICYMI, here’s a reminder: Enabling E2EE means nobody but the two people on the call should be able to listen in on the contents of the conversation. Not even the company providing the encryption (like Google).
There are some caveats to consider. First, E2EE will only work if both parties are using mobile devices on Google Fi’s service. Those devices also have to be of the Android variety (sorry Blue Bubble Family). Google also notes that encryption will not work for conference calls or voicemails. Calls made via the Messages by Google app also won’t get the E2EE treatment.
It’s also worth noting that a few other voice calling apps — such as FaceTime and WhatsApp — already offer E2EE. That said, neither of those applications operate as the default, baked-in options for voice calling for the device in which they are installed. Google Fi changes that.
Google Fi subscribers should see a visual cue on their screen to indicate whether a call is being encrypted or not.
Apple to Unveil App Privacy Report
While we’re on the topic of privacy on your mobile device, it’s probably worth talking about the latest feature coming out of Apple HQ. The company recently launched a beta version of iOS 15.2, which includes the addition of the “App Privacy Report.”
It’s basically what it sounds like, but here’s how Apple is describing it:
“App Privacy Report shows how often apps use the permission you’ve granted to access your data, like location or microphone. It also includes a breakdown of each app’s network activity, website network activity, and the most frequently contacted domains.”
The App Privacy Report was first disclosed as part of the iOS 15 announcement earlier this year, continuing on the various steps Apple took to increase user privacy in iOS 14 last fall.
A change enacted earlier this year, mobile applications now have to receive explicit permission from users in order to track them across other applications in the past — a practice considered standard until Apple’s industry-altering decision. Apple also now provides users with App Privacy labels in the App Store, which provide a list of data that an app plans on collecting that a user can review prior to downloading. That said, those labels are created by the app developer, not Apple, which opens the door for omissions (calculated or otherwise).
The App Privacy Report takes it a step further, providing users with information about how apps are behaving after they’ve already been installed on the device. Users will be able to see exactly when the app last accessed the device’s microphone or location, as well as other sensitive data. Each item will be listed with a timestamp, with said lists dating back to the past seven days.
Developers have been given access to a new feature known as “Record App Activity,” which provides them with a sneak preview of what users will eventually see when the App Privacy Report is released. This is likely intended to give developers a chance to determine whether the apps are behaving as intended, or perhaps grant them some time to come up with explanations on why the apps are more intrusive than advertised.
Apple has yet to announce exactly when the new feature will be released, but it’s a safe bet to believe it’ll be part of iOS 15.2 when that update becomes available.
Report: Apple Privacy Cost Ad Industry $10B
And while we’re on the topic of Apple’s privacy measures, The Financial Times (via The Verge) reports that the company’s App Tracking Transparency policy has cost several social media giants nearly $10 billion in revenue this year. Snapchat, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube all recently reported losses as a result of the change, which now requires developers to explicitly request for permission to track users across other applications on the device. Many, as it turns out, have opted out.
The results are nothing if not expected. Many in the industry believed Apple’s shift toward user privacy would negatively impact revenue, so much so that Facebook preemptively began attacking the decision before it went live. The company took out full-page advertisements to explain why the move was against the best interest of small businesses who use Facebook and other social media platforms to reach their audiences. While they are still able to do so, the value in the targeting has diminished as Facebook is no longer allowed to track user habits across other apps on iOS devices.
App Tracking Transparency was first announced in the fall of 2020. Its launch, expected as part of the iOS 14 update, was delayed to allow platforms to adjust before being released to the public earlier this spring.
