This included the iOS clipboard privacy feature.
What this does is alert the user when an app tries to copy clipboard information.
Something, it turns out, apps appear to do constantly.
In a statement, TikTok said it was originally copying the iOS clipboard for identify repetitive, spammy behaviour.
But this was only the start.
This includes Reddit:
UPDATE: Seems like Reddit is capturing the clipboard on each keystroke as well ?
Seeing the notification come up just as much.pic.twitter.com/nzbElmRG2a
Don ?
They reiterated saying that Reddit doesnt store or send the pasteboard contents anywhere.
LinkedIn is copying the contents of my clipboard every keystroke.
IOS 14 allows users to see each paste notification.
Im on an IPad Pro and its copying from the clipboard of my MacBook Pro.
Effectively, acknowledging the issue, but saying WE DIDNT MEAN TO SOZ.
These apps snooping on the iOS clipboard are just the tip of the iceberg though.
Over the weekendthe Weather connection pulled its code from the App Storein order to deal with the issue properly.
But why is copying information from the iOS clipboard bad?
Before we go on, we should clarify exactlywhyapps copying iOS clipboard data isnt good practice.
Firstly, we need to acknowledge that copying data from the clipboard isnt shady in itself.
For example, a web internet tool automatically suggesting you visit a website in your clipboard.
Or copying a confirmation code from one app and it automatically appearing in another.
This could be even more dangerous if the password manager doesnt have two-factor authentication enabled.
And thats not on.
And why does this saga reflect well on Apple?
Apps copying user info from clipboards isnt new.
And, even better, app developers are having to change alongside it.
So fair-fucking-play, Apple.
But it does make you ponder about Android.
Googles mobile OS is far more open about API access and has a… looser approach to privacy.
Confronting things like iOS clipboard snooping is refreshing, but lets not forget its a business tactic.
Privacy is another way of Apple differentiating itself from Android.
But, as far as products go, its a pretty fucking good one.
