Tracking Parameters in URLs are now automatically removed by Apple’s Safari Private Browsing.

Apple is making significant updates to Safari Private Browsing, which will provide users with enhanced protections against third-party trackers while they browse the internet.

The manufacturer of the iPhone stated, “Advanced fingerprinting and tracking protections go even further to help prevent websites from using the latest techniques to track or identify a user’s device.”

“Private Browsing now locks when it is not in use, allowing a user to keep tabs open even when they are away from the device,” reads the announcement.

Last week, the improvements to privacy were shown off at Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). They are anticipated to be made available to users later this year as part of iOS 17, iPadOS 17, and macOS Sonoma.
Link Tracking Protection in Mail, Messages, and Safari’s private mode, which removes tracking parameters from URLs that are frequently used to track information about a click, is another important change.

According to a Fast Company report, Apple’s Craig Federighi stated, “Safari has been a somewhat unheralded pioneer of private browsing, and so many privacy and security features, and this year it’s just a tour de force.” One of the most significant sources of privacy harm is internet browsing.

A new embedded Photos picker that lets users share specific photos with other apps while keeping their library private is also coming to iOS.
Apple is expanding its Communication Safety feature, which warns children not to send or receive explicit images in Messages, to include video content. In addition, the option is being made available in the Photos picker, AirDrop, and FaceTime video messages.

Sensitive Content Warning, an optional setting that helps adult users avoid receiving unsolicited nude images and videos via Messages, AirDrop, or FaceTime video messages, is expected to be powered by the privacy-preserving technology that underpins Communication Safety.
By creating a group, users will also be able to securely share a set of passwords and passkeys with other people via iCloud Keychain. Passwords can be added and edited by everyone in the group to keep them current.
“Safer wireless connectivity defaults, media handling, media sharing defaults, sandboxing, and network security optimizations” are among the new features that Apple is introducing to Lockdown Mode. Additionally, watchOS support is being added to the enhanced security setting.

According to Apple, “Turning on Lockdown Mode further hardens device defenses and strictly limits certain functionalities, sharply reducing the attack surface for those who require additional protections.”

“Lockdown Mode expands to provide even more protections for those who, because of who they are or what they do, could be targeted by mercenary spyware,” the article states.