How To Check iOS App Privacy “Nutrition Labels”

Return to WWDC in June 2020, Apple announced a new iOS feature known as “App privacy labels.” Read on to learn more about Apple’s new initiative and how to check the iOS app privacy label on your iPhone or iPad.

What are App Privacy Labels on iOS?

Concerning nutrition labels on food, all third-party apps, and Apple’s default apps now have easy-to-understand privacy labels that let users see what data an app has collected.

The idea is to notify the user of the privacy practices an app is following before she has had a chance to install the app. Currently, many popular applications like WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, etc. Their privacy label is displayed on the App Store.

Apple says that all apps, whether for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, or tvOS, need to be transparent about their privacy practices. Here’s how you can view the privacy label for an app.

How to check iOS privacy labels on iPhone and iPad?

How to check App Privacy Labels on iOS 14

1. Go to the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Choose the app you want to check the privacy labels.
3. Scroll down on the app’s download page and tap on “See Details” right next to App Privacy.

Here, you can check the privacy practices followed by application developers. Some apps have large lists of privacy labels, like Facebook, others have fewer privacy labels. Remember, fewer privacy labels are good.

For example, Signal considered one of the most secure messaging apps, only has the privacy label “Contact info” This app only takes your phone number and doesn’t try to trace you.

Privacy practices, followed by some of the unlisted Apple apps, can be found here. If you’re having trouble understanding some of the iOS privacy labels, check out Apple’s privacy definitions and examples page.

The aftermath of Apple’s new privacy policies

Since the privacy label went live on iOS 14, there has been a huge uproar among app developers. Facebook, in particular, has criticized moves suggesting that Apple’s new privacy policy will hurt small businesses.

Meanwhile, some apps have updated their privacy policies to fit the new guidelines. WhatsApp, for example, has updated its privacy policy which explains why it is necessary to collect user data to keep its services running.

Also Read:

• Apple reportedly will launch Arm-based MacBook Air and Pro laptops at the ‘One More Thing’ event
• Apple added a secret button to your iPhone, and you may not even notice it
• Apple lost in a legal battle, will pay VirnetX $503 million

Keywords: App privacy labels, Apple, iOS App Privacy, Nutrition Labels