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On Data Privacy Day 2025, Apple and Android are further strengthening their stance on user privacy by having robust and built-in tools for user data protection. As privacy concerns rise in today’s digital world, both companies have enhanced features to provide more control to users over their data.
Apple has never been shy about promoting privacy. Among the significant data protection tools offered by Apple is ‘Hide My Email’. It allows people to create a random email through iCloud+. Thus, spam remains at bay while concealing personal email addresses when signing up for services or newsletters.
Apple also debuted ‘Mail Privacy Protection’, preventing senders from knowing when an email has been opened. It also hides the user's IP address to ensure their activities remain private. The ‘App Tracking Transparency’ gives users control over who can track their activity on other platforms for targeted advertisements.
Another great Apple privacy feature is ‘Recording Indicators’ which enables iPhone users to receive notifications when their device's camera or microphone is in use. An orange or green dot will notify users if any active app is recording. Last but not least of the tech giant’s data protection tools is its ‘Secure Enclave’ technology. It protects sensitive data by encrypting information and ensuring access only by an authorized user through Face ID or Touch ID.
Android has also introduced a set of privacy features to empower users like the ‘Privacy Dashboard’. It allows users to see how often apps access sensitive information such as location, camera, or microphone.
Android also limits app access to files with ‘Scoped Storage’, thus reducing the chance of data leaks. It also gives users granular control over location permissions. Thus, allowing them to choose whether apps should have access to their precise or approximate location.
‘Google Play Protect scans apps in real time for malware and security threats. On the other hand, ‘Incognito Mode’ provides anonymous browsing on platforms such as Chrome and Google Search. Thus, preventing activity tracking and maintaining privacy during online searches.
Data Privacy Day is a reminder for everyone to ensure their safety in this rapidly evolving and vastly unknown digital world. Apple and Android continue to offer users powerful tools designed to help secure users digital footprint. Using privacy features can help users better safeguard their personal information while promoting ethical and responsible use of technology.
