WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and others so many more applications could stop working on iOS 13, at least in part. Apple may implement changes intended to prevent data collection. And that would force developers to look for new solutions so that features like VoIP calls continue to work the same.
iOS 13 and its changes against data collection
Apple has been the champion of privacy for a long time now. Both on iOS and macOS, even on the web with the creation of its button Sign in with Apple, is applying changes in order to safeguard the user from possible attacks on their privacy.
Well, the last of his moves would involve changes in iOS 13 which, in turn, would affect applications such as WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger among other. And it is that, the company is thinking of making modifications so that these messaging apps with VoIP calls can collect user data.
Currently, these types of applications are executing in the background a series of calls through PushKit VoIP API in order to be ready when the user receives a call. In other words, taking advantage of said API, they ensure that they can connect with the user quickly and send a notification with the incoming call.
The problem is that, according to Apple, this could also be used to collect user data in the background. And that is where they want to attack and cut in the bud. Nothing to give or leave an open door to the misuse of something created for another purpose.
Therefore, these applications must face changes and adapt. The problem is that, according to those responsible for Facebook, the changes are not insignificant and will take a lot of work. Because as he explained:
“The changes that will take place in iOS 13 will not be insignificant, but we are talking with Apple to find the best way to fix it. Although, to be clear, we use the PushKit VoIP API for things like offering a more private experience through end-to-end encryption, and not to collect user data."
With the history of Facebook it is difficult to believe anything, but it is also true that they are not the main or big problem. The gravity here is in that any application could take advantage of this and collect user data without your consent. Therefore, if Apple has already announced its intention to change how everything works And the developers have until April 2020 to solve it, go ahead.
Because privacy must be taken care of, and if the user himself does not have the tools or adequate knowledge to do it on his own, it is technology that must help. And through more secure operating systems or with more data-responsible apps and services, etc. avoid this type of data collection that we have already seen can be used in very bad ways.