Loupe – A iOS app that raises awareness about what native apps can see (github.com)

Article summary

Loupe is an iOS and iPadOS app that demonstrates the device fingerprinting surface by reading and displaying real values from public iOS APIs. The app groups these readings into three tiers based on the cost of access, ranging from passive to advanced. The goal of Loupe is to raise awareness about what native apps can see and how they can use this information to recognize users. The app is free and open source, with a Mac version also available.

Main themes

• Device Fingerprinting
• iOS App Security
• Privacy Concerns
• App Tracking
• Native App Capabilities

What commenters say

• The iPhone's design does not prioritize avoiding fingerprinting from installed apps, making it a significant concern for user privacy.
• Many apps, including those from reputable companies, engage in tracking and data collection without proper disclosure or user consent.
• Using a browser instead of native apps can help mitigate some tracking, but it is not a foolproof solution and may not be feasible for all use cases.
• Some commenters argue that the threat of fingerprinting is overstated, and that the data collected is not unique or persistent enough to be used for tracking.
• Others believe that the use of AI-generated content and closed-source browsers can exacerbate the problem of fingerprinting and tracking.
• There is a need for greater transparency and regulation around app tracking and data collection, with some arguing that current measures such as privacy nutrition labels are insufficient.
• Developing and using privacy-respecting alternatives to popular apps can help reduce the risk of fingerprinting and tracking.
• The relationship between app tracking and GDPR compliance is complex and likely to be decided by the courts in the future.