Questions tagged [privacy]
Apple hardware and software can log location as well as other sensitive information that you may wish to keep private. Also group questions that relate to general software and information relating on how to protect your privacy by choosing one configuration over another.
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Blocking websites with Screen Time
I'm trying to block distracting websites using Screen Time.
It seems I have to select the 'Limit Adult Websites' option and then add a restricted URL. I've tried to restrict YouTube but the settings ...
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Can I be assured that a calendar on my Mac is not shared?
I use the Calendar application vigorously.
In some cases, I link a calendar from my workplace's Microsoft Exchange server. In other cases, I create a new calendar on my Mac.
I have been working under ...
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How to disable all "Allow paste from" prompts?
When I open many apps, I get prompted
"App" would like to paste from "Last app"
Do you want to allow this?
Don't Allow Paste
Allow Paste
I always want to select "Don't Allow ...
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DNS works differently in Private Browsing on iOS 17
Since upgrading to iOS 17, I've noticed I'm no longer able to visit my home server from my home network when in Private Browsing Mode in Safari.
I'm fairly sure that the issue is that Safari is doing ...
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+50
How to Prevent Accidental Touch pad Activation Triggering Privacy & Security Window on MacBook Pro 16
I'm facing a rather frustrating issue with my MacBook Pro 16. While typing, I often accidentally touch the Touch pad, which triggers the Privacy & Security window to pop up. This is becoming quite ...
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What data does WhatsApp see and use when you allow it to access contacts on iPhone
On iOS, what data does WhatsApp have access to if I allow it to see my contacts?
I expect names and numbers.
But does it also get access to addresses, Notes, etc? Does it use them in any way?
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Clear Safari data on iOS with ease
Clearing data of Safari on iOS need settings-scroll to safari-click-scroll to clear data button-click-click failed because it is still scrolling-click-confirm.
Can there be an easier way?
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Exactly what information does a merchant get via Apple Pay when paying in person at a point-of-sale device?
Apple's Apple Pay security and privacy overview states (emphasis added):
When you use Apple Pay in stores
When you use Apple Pay in stores that accept contactless payments, Apple Pay uses Near Field ...
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Why do Apple devices send wi-fi Probe Requests directed to specific SSIDs, rather than undirected Probe Requests or passively listening for Beacons?
This seems to be related to known networks marked "Auto-Join", though that observation could be inconclusive.
This behavior is a major privacy vulnerability since these SSIDs are broadcast ...
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How does iCloud Private Relay handle HTTP requests outside of Safari?
How does iCloud Private Relay handle connections that are HTTP in other browsers like Brave or Chrome?
I know that it only masks your IP address completely when you're using Safari - but - it also ...
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On Mac OS, can apps with screen recording permission still record your screen even when they're not open?
On Mac OS, can apps with screen recording permission still record your screen even when they're not open?
Or do they no longer have the ability to screen record once you've quit them? (That is, they ...
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How can one see what information is being shared when getting notified that “this allows the app in the websites to share information about you”?
I installed Adobe Premiere Rush on my iPhone 12, which runs iOS 15. When I attempt to login via Google, I get notified that:
this allows the app in the websites to share information about you
as ...
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60
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Is there a way to disable FaceTime's access to the microphone?
Is there any way to disable FaceTime's access to my iPad's microphone? I don't just mean mute the mic during a call, but disable access entirely.
FaceTime isn't included in my iPad's list of ...
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Unable to log into Hulu through Chrome because "Location is turned off in Mac System Preferences", but setting is on and still won't let me in
I am trying to log into Hulu with Chrome and it asks to share my location. I say yes. It goes to log in and I get a popup for a location request. I accept and the browser says my location has been ...
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How do I change my children's apple IDs so that they are anonymous?
I originally created apple IDs for my kids in a format like this: [email protected]
Since then, I've become more privacy conscious and would like to replace these with anonymous accounts that ...
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How can I replicate the "give app permission to access documents" on the command line?
Following up from this question: What does it mean to give apps access to Documents folder on Mac?
How can one replicate the "give apps access" process on the command line? I ask because I'm ...
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Microphone permission for an individual tab/webpage in Safari on Mac
So on my MacBook, I gave microphone access permission to a tab in Safari. Afterwards, I tried to revoke the permission, but could not find where the setting was.
In System Preferences - Privacy and ...
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Private Relay addresses from "Sign in with Apple" can't receive emails? (!)
I've tried using Sign in with Apple to sign up with a web service, and I get assigned a @privaterelay.appleid.com address to use with that service as my username/login.
When I try to actually email ...
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Mail Privacy Protection won't stay turned off after updates
I turn off Mail Privacy Protection on my iPhone (13 pro max iOS 16.4.1(a)) so that I can block all remote content, and after every iOS update my privacy setting has reverted. This feels disrespectful, ...
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Signal is disclosing peer-to-peer communication not sent through its own VPN to Google, or meta data thereof (i.e. call & duration, aliases & numbers)
Premise
Signal is disclosing peer-to-peer communication not sent through its own VPN to Google, or meta data thereof (i.e. call & duration, aliases & numbers) covertly, and without explicit ...
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MacOS Ventura 13.3 apps don't show in Camera and Microphone Privacy & Security settings
I've been having issues getting apps to show in System Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone & Camera, on MacOS Ventura 13.3.
I have a iMac 27-inch, Late 2013, which I used OpenCore ...
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Cannot open files in Downloads folder by clicking
I recently migrated to a new mac using time machine. In the new mac, using 13.3.1 (22E261), I cannot open recently downloaded PDFs files in the Downloads folder. I need to open preview, and then ...
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how to format entire MacBook Pro (flash kernel + ram + disk ....)
I want to format everything. Is it possible without opening the device ? It's a MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020, Four Thunderbolt 3 ports) running Ventura 13.3.1 (a) (22E772610a)
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System admin password not working
I have a 2019 Macbook Pro, Ventura. Recently, I've noticed that my system password (I am the only user, and I checked in Users & Groups) doesn't work to change my Privacy and Security settings. I ...
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How can I remove a MDM configuration profile enrollment when no profile exists?
A strange problem occurred after I clean-installed Big Sur on my company's 2019 MacBook Pro. My machine now asks for incorrect device enrollment credentials (this is not my company!):
Before the ...
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What iCloud data am I sharing with an app when I provide it with an app-specific password?
The Apple documentation states:
Some apps made by developers other than Apple ask you to sign in with your Apple ID, so that the app can access information like mail, contacts, and calendars that you ...
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Can't (re-)authorize any Accessibility apps on Monterey (12.6.3)
After a forced reboot (and another reboot for good measure), the applications I allow to "Accessibility" control under System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy no longer ...
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108
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Private Mac Address in iPhone
When I connect to Wi-Fi in public spaces I use "private MAC address" for each connection. Does Apple have a database (and save) each of the private mac addresses used by my phone device or ...
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341
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How does Safari (desktop and mobile) know I have a Google account, even in private mode?
While browsing in Safari (Private Mode as well as non-private), I recently saw multiple times some new overlay/modal that offers me to quickly create an account with that respective page using the &...
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Can you undo the text message notification that gets sent when changing share settings on a Note?
Say you are working on the draft of a project in an iOS note.
You share the note with a potential collaborator wanting their input.
But then you share the note with someone else who is their ...
- 3,710
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57
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Can Apps or websites visited access SMS/iMessages on iPhone, Mac, etc.?
Is it possible for a legit app (not talking about malicious apps or jailbroken devices), or any website visited in a browser on the device like Chrome or Safari, to be allowed to see or access SMS/MMS ...
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136
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Does iOS app location tracking require permission?
Some apps say they track location in “data linked to you” in their app privacy label.
For example, the game Roblox.
But, these apps (like Roblox) don’t always appear in the Settings -> Privacy &...
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27
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Inconsistent “load all images” in iPad Mail
I have two iPads where Mail’s “load all images” button works differently and I can’t figure out why. On both of them, “protect mail activity” is off and “block all remote content is on.
Also on both, ...
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Homemade AppleScript app, upon opening, repeatedly asks for permission to access Documents folder. OS 12.6.1 Monterey
I built a simple AppleScript (in Script Editor 2.11) that opens a text file, searches through it with certain parameters and pastes a report to the clipboard. Simple. But when I then save the script ...
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93
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Trust computer from Apple Watch
My Apple Watch asked me if I trust a Mac. I reluctantly clicked Yes. Now I wonder which Mac did I let it trust. How can I make sure that it is my Mac? Is there a list of trusted devices/computers on ...
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1
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MacOS Ventura - Google Chrome not appearing in location services
I'm trying to enable Location Services for a site in Google Chrome, and it says that I must enable Location Services for Chrome in the system settings. But in the Location Services settings, Chrome ...
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2
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With "Xee" I can no longer display photos in the new macOS Ventura "Lockdown Mode", but with Preview it works [closed]
With Xee (from App Store, formerly Open Source) I can't display photos anymore in the new macOS Ventura Lockdown Mode, but with Preview it works.
Screenshot of a photo in my collection:
Is there a ...
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Using Apple ID as login method - Can the App Developer track you, if you delete your account and re-do this?
Let's say an iOS app lets you use your Apple ID as your login method, and you create an account this way.
I suppose they don't get your APPLE ID, bur rather some scrambled, right?
Then, if you delete ...
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219
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Prevent Siri and Dictation from sending my contacts to Apple servers
Is there a settings combination on current Apple operating systems (macOS 13 Ventura, iOS 16.1) that prevents Siri and Dictation from sending my contacts to an Apple server?
Apple's web page Siri ...
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Does the "Lockdown Mode" only protect Apple apps? If you mainly use Open Source alternatives, does this feature offer nothing?
I enabled Lockdown Mode today. The advertising sounds very good:
What is Lockdown Mode?
Lockdown Mode is an optional, extreme protection that’s designed for
the very few individuals who, because of ...
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Why is Safari automatically accessing the log-in details of another app?
The other day, I logged in to a Google account with the YouTube app on iOS. Later, while doing a Google search, I noticed the Google account's profile in the corner, despite me never signing in to ...
- 3,512
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56
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Can My University See Through my VPN on iOS?
So to use the internet at my university, you have to accept a certificate and log in with your username and password. I use a VPN and an iPhone on iOS 16.
I haven't had to trust the certificate in a ...
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221
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Apple Maps using location although not opened
After a few months I noticed that my iPhone is using my location quite frequently. This has different reasons, some of them are legit, some not so much.
In the settings you can see which apps ...
- 170
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2
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Do airtags beep if they are traveling with someone who does not have an iThing?
Suppose Brian steels ones bag that has an airbag sewn into it well hidden. Brian doesn't have an iPhone or iPad, but rather a feature phone, or alternately an Android device. He takes it with him on ...
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2
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My mom offered to share her iPhone Health app data with me. Do I have to put MY data in iCloud to see HER data?
My phone says: "Health in iCloud is Turned Off The Health app uses iCloud to access health data that is shared with you. To receive invitations to share and view data, turn on Health in iCloud.&...
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microphone and cable headset do not work in any app even though the micro is allowed under "Privacy" --> "Microphone"; no NFC scan either
Taking up for example the answer of Microphone not working on third party apps only (iPhone 6):
Under Settings > Privacy > Microphone you'll be able to allow/deny each app that require the ...
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App remembers my phone number
Some time ago I installed a certain social network app and logged in using my phone number. Then I uninstalled it.
Today I reinstalled it, and when I first launched it, I noticed that the phone number ...
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84
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How do I add privacy settings on macOS?
On my personal Mac (M1, Monterey) everything is ok, and the privacy settings look something like this:
There is a Screen Recording and Full Disk Access and so on.
Today at work, I was given the same ...
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1
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172
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TEMP files encrypted on IPhone?
I am going to sell my iPhone soon and wondered as to the safety of the temp files/cache files on iPhone for apps like twitter,Reddit,WhatsApp ETC.
I am aware that iPhone has File based encryption and ...
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0
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What does this MacOS/X dialog mean?
My mom recently started seeing the dialog in the attached photo whenever she tries to launch her favorite video game (which she downloaded from Big Fish games a few weeks ago; she's running MacOS Big ...
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