FACT CHECK: No, New Apple Feature Does Not Automatically Share Full Name And Location

Anna Mock | Fact Check Reporter

A post shared on Facebook claims a new iPhone feature called ā€œJournalingā€ allows strangers to see full name and exact location.

Verdict: False

The claim is inaccurate. No such feature shares personal information without users’ consent.

Fact Check:

Apple is facing a $2 billion fine from the European Union following an App Store complaint filed by Spotify, according to Mashable. The complaint focuses on ā€œpolicies that prohibit app developers from pointing users toward subscription options outside of the app in order to avoid Apple’s in-app purchase fees,ā€ the outlet reported.

A Facebook post claims iPhones are sharing personal information without users’ consent. The post warns about a new iPhone feature called ā€œJournaling Suggestionsā€ and asks readers to look for the ā€œdiscoverable by othersā€ option.

ā€œI bet it’s toggled to ON and lets anyone near you know your FULL NAME and EXACTLY where you’re geo located. Go toggle that OFF!!ā€ it reads, showing screenshots of how to access this option.

The claim is inaccurate, however. There are no credible news reports about this feature sharing personal information without consent. (RELATED: Will iPhone Users Who Say ā€˜One Twelve’ To Siri Be Given A Crisis Loan?)

A page on the Apple website provides more information about the Journaling feature, which clarifies that the feature does not share personal information with others. ā€œJournaling Suggestions uses Bluetooth to detect the number of devices and contacts around you without storing which of these specific contacts were around,ā€ it reads in part. ā€œThis information is used to improve and prioritize your suggestions. It is stored on device, and is not shared with Apple.ā€

The page adds that this feature can be turned off by going to ā€œSettings > Privacy & Security > Journaling Suggestions, then tapping to turn off Prefer Suggestions with Others.ā€ Additionally, users can choose to not allow contacts to include them in their number of nearby contacts by going to ā€œSettings > Privacy & Security > Journaling Suggestions, then tapping to turn off Discoverable by Others.ā€

Anna Mock

Fact Check Reporter

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