Apple Adds a Tracker Blocker to Desktop Safari
Apple has taken a step towards protecting user privacy by adding a tracker blocker to its Safari web browser. The new feature, called “intelligent tracking prevention”, uses machine learning technology to identify and block trackers.
Craig Federighi, Apple’s SVP of software engineering, unveiled the incoming Safari feature onstage at its developer conference, WWDC, drawing applause and a handful of appreciative “woos” from the crowd.
According to Federighi, Safari uses machine learning to identify trackers, segregate the cross-site scripting data, and put it away so that users’ privacy is protected.
He also emphasized that the feature only blocks trackers and doesn’t affect the way the web works.
However, there are many questions about the new feature. For example, how effective the technology will prove, whether it will be enabled by default, and how much configuration will be offered to consumers.
It is also unclear whether Apple will extend the tracker blocker to the mobile version of Safari.
Nevertheless, this is a positive step towards protecting user privacy.
