Apple’s Safari eliminates irksome content overlays with ‘Distraction Control’

What could cause a stir?

The latest addition contributes to Apple’s browser, which prioritizes privacy and is equipped with safeguards like Intelligent Tracking Prevention and incognito browsing that is truly discreet. Despite this, some of the privacy-enhancing tools integrated by Apple in Safari have faced opposition over time, primarily from the shadier corners of the advertising industry reliant on surveillance-based practices. Given that this new tool might diminish the impact of certain intrusive on-page elements, it is likely that Apple will encounter resistance once more.

The most contentious aspect may revolve around the financial implications for website operations. Numerous site operators have experienced a significant decrease in revenue generation following the enforcement of stricter GDPR regulations. Small-scale web publishers have been hit especially hard, with some witnessing a sharp decline in earnings.

In response, many have resorted to implementing subscriptions and email lists in an effort to recoup their losses. However, Apple’s latest feature could potentially hamper their efforts to attract new subscribers, as AI developers continue to extract content from these sites to enhance the credibility of their technologies.

About Author

AndyC

Andy Curtis is an award-winning security consultant, researcher and public speaker. He has been working in the computer security industry since the early 1990s, having been employed by state and federal government, leading healthcare and banking providers across three continents. He has given talks about computer security for some of the world’s largest companies, worked with law enforcement agencies on investigations into hacking groups, and is a regular voice on TV and radio explaining IT security threats.

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