Google is now implementing some privacy changes for Android. It appears that the search engine giant is heading towards minimizing ad tracking in the platform through its Privacy Sandbox initiative.
This is similar to Apple's app tracking capability, which became a huge controversy to other companies, but what does it mean for Google?
Google to Bring More Privacy-Focused Solutions on Android
The Android Privacy Sandbox will be the company's big step in maintaining more private solutions when it comes to ad-targeting for users.
According to a report by XDA Developers, the Sandbox will be the cornerstone to help protect people's online privacy. For the firms and developers, it will also help them with their advertising strategies.
In short, the initiate clamps down cross-app and site tracking. At the same time, it allows the users to use its online services for free.
In 2021, Google mentioned the term "FLoC" or the Federated Learning of Cohorts. This feature will identify people who share the same browsing histories. Before FloC, there were user-tracking cookies.
Earlier this year, Topics API substituted FLoC. Again, it serves its purpose by laying subjects that you are inclined with on your browsing history.
According to Google's VP of Product Management for Android Security and Privacy, Anthony Chavez, the recently announced solutions will be a key to limiting the data sharing for users in third-party apps.
Chavez added that the company is continuously exploring some techniques that would help them lessen the hidden collection of data. Google wants to push through creating user-friendly ways wherein apps can safely advertise the SDKs.
As of press time, Google said that the plan was still in the early development phase. In addition, the tech titan revealed that it would evaluate the design proposals for the privacy changes. It said that it would also share feedback on the developer site.
This year, the company eyes launching previews from the developers. Furthermore, it is expected that the beta release for this feature will arrive in late 2022. With that, we also anticipate that the company will regularly release updates about the timelines of the initiative and the design.
Related Article: Mozilla-Meta Partnership Proposes Ad Tracking: No Longer a Critic?
Google Will Support Current Ad Features
In another article from Engadget, Google said it would continue to back up the "existing" ads features, which will last for at least 24 months.
As a reference, Google said that it would borrow Apple's ads privacy action on iOS. While it would restrict ad targeting for businesses, Chavez said that the firm was mindful that it would target relevant ads for the users.
Regarding the launch of Android Privacy Sandbox, some tech giants have approved the recent privacy changes that should be made for Android users despite its controversy in Europe.
Earlier this month, Tech Times reported that the app tracking transparency of Apple had impacted Snap's performance last year. However, the social media firm said it's gradually recovering from it.
This article is owned by Tech Times
Written by Joseph Henry
