this post was submitted on 16 Feb 2025
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254
Apple Maps paid search ads under consideration in monetization push. (appleinsider.com)
submitted 5 days ago* (last edited 5 days ago) by Cat@ponder.cat to c/technology@lemmy.world
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[–] IllNess@infosec.pub 46 points 5 days ago (2 children)

Apple claimed Apple Maps was created because Apple wanted to protect its users from Google Maps' data hoarding. We assume Apple is already hoarding data but now to be able to compete with other advertisement platforms Apple, would have to share that data with advertisers.

One step forward, two steps back.

[–] ArbiterXero@lemmy.world 20 points 5 days ago (2 children)

Apple actually integrates several “anti tracking” technologies into their maps, so it IS an improvement in theory.

[–] IllNess@infosec.pub 6 points 4 days ago (1 children)

Looks like we are both skeptical about those technologies. "All you have to do is turn off locations... on a maps app... that's privacy!"

[–] ArbiterXero@lemmy.world 5 points 4 days ago (1 children)

Well apparently they ask for directions to your destination and 5 random others so that it’s not trackable server side.

I haven’t investigated myself and that’s not entirely fool proof, but it’s leagues better than Google for privacy.

[–] IllNess@infosec.pub 5 points 4 days ago (1 children)

It is. That's actually really cool.

But if they do start including ads, why would advertisers use a less effective and accurate platform than Google Maps?

Either they change or their ad placements are cheaper.

If they aren't maximizing profits then why put ads at all? It's not like they are losing profits.

[–] ArbiterXero@lemmy.world 3 points 4 days ago

Why put ads on a new venue that may reach users that don’t use Google maps?

Even if that ad is less effective, it’s still going to have some effectiveness

[–] Sunshine@lemmy.ca 5 points 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago) (1 children)

They still collect data albeit less from Google Maps. But Organic Maps doesn’t collect any data.

[–] ArbiterXero@lemmy.world 6 points 4 days ago

I’m an avid user of OSM and OsmAnd, I’m with you there

[–] acosmichippo@lemmy.world 1 points 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago)

I'm not happy about ads, but ads aren't inherently anti-privacy. If they are not targeted at you based on tracking data then I don't see any conflict with privacy. for example, mentioned in the article:

For example, it reportedly considered charging for prioritization of search results in the app. It's also plausible that it could sell the ability to make specific locations on the map more prominent to viewers.

that would suck but it's not a privacy issue.