The article I read this week was called ‘Apple wants to stop advertisers from following you around the web. Facebook has other ideas.’ I got this article from Vox, it was written by Peter Kafka and posted on August 26.

The article is about how Apple is going to change the way internet advertising works. Here is what will happen with Apple’s new plan: Apple typically gives each of its devices a unique identification code which makes it easier to track what you do on your phone. With its new plan, any developer that wants to use that code will have to ask for your permission. This will come in a pop-up screen that looks like this:

If a user says yes, then everything carries on like normal. Which means app companies and advertisers can use your information regarding your behavior inside of an app, and your behavior on the rest of the web and deliver you highly targeted ads.

Experts say the vast majority of users will not reply yes to the above prompt. This means advertisers will know less about the people they’re trying to reach.

If this plans actually happens apps like Facebook and Google are going to have to rethink how they sell their ads. Facebook among others have already spoke out against Apple’s new policy. A plan like this would make targeted ads almost disappear.

I think Apple’s new plan is a huge step in regards to consumer privacy but I don’t necessarily know if that’s a good thing. I’ve learned a lot about how advertisers use your information and track you, etc., in my marketing classes. This topic can be very controversial but I think people really don’t understand the concept. Targeted ads and geolocation tracking are important to advertisers and they bring in a lot of revenue.

I don’t know if it means that much to people but with Apple’s new privacy plans you may no longer get ads that you’re actually interested in. From an advertisers standpoint, this is a nightmare, but it is a very big step toward a better, privacy safe web.

I am excited to see how this all plays out and how these huge companies brawl it out. I am also excited to see how this changes the advertising game.