Facebook Battles Apple Over User Privacy

Abstract

Apple’s latest iPhone update includes a new feature that explicitly asks users to consent to or opt out of data tracking, which most apps employ to survey consumer usage habits and to generate revenue from targeted ads. Apple’s decision has incited a very vocal reaction from tech giant Facebook, which claims that data tracking (and data-driven targeted ads) helps support small business and keeps the app free. As Big Tech continues to wrestle with growing concerns over user privacy and surveillance, this case asks students to examine the ethics and strategy of Apple’s latest feature.