Rumor: Google is considering less strict anti-tracking than Apple for Android

Google is considering adding anti-tracking functionality to Android, according to Bloomberg. With that, Google would follow Apple, which integrates this iOS. Google would consider less strict anti-tracking.

Google is internally discussing the possibilities of limiting data collection via Android and cross-tracking with apps on the mobile operating system, Bloomberg writes, citing sources within the company. The functions that are internally on the table are in any case less far than those of Apple, the sources report.

Apple is working on App Tracking Transparency for iOS, tvOS and iPadOS. This feature requires users of iPhones and iPads to give permissions to apps before they can track them. This should happen sometime this spring, in a similar way to apps needing users’ permission to use camera, microphone, or location.

Apple is increasingly emphasizing privacy as an advantage in its products and services over those of competitors such as Google and Facebook. Last week, Apple released a plea for privacy from its CEO Tim Cook at the Virtual Computers, Privacy & Data Protection Conference. The CEO denounced privacy infringements by the advertising industry and emphasized Apple’s work on App Tracking Transparency.