Apple's iOS 17.1 update includes a new feature called 'NameDrop' that allows users to share contact information by holding two devices close to each other.
Law enforcement agencies have issued warnings about the feature, advising parents to check their children's phone settings.
Tech experts and an Apple spokesperson have defended the feature, stating that it has safeguards in place to prevent unintentional information sharing.
Apple's latest iOS 17.1 software update has introduced a new feature called 'NameDrop', which has sparked a debate between law enforcement agencies and tech experts. The feature allows Apple users to share their contact information by holding two devices close to each other. However, it requires both devices to be unlocked and be very close or touching for several seconds.
Law enforcement agencies in the U.S. have issued warnings to parents to check their children's phone settings as the feature is automatically turned on with the update. They expressed concerns that the feature could potentially be misused, leading to unintentional information sharing.
On the other hand, tech experts and digital security professionals have dismissed these warnings as 'hysteria' and 'nonsense'. Chester Wisniewski, a digital security expert at Sophos, cited by The Washington Post, stated that Apple has safeguards in place to prevent unintentional information sharing. An Apple spokesperson also clarified that NameDrop does not work with locked devices, adding another layer of security to the feature.
The debate continues online, with some siding with the cautionary approach of the police departments, while others agree with the tech experts who believe the feature is secure. As the discussion unfolds, it is clear that the new feature has stirred both concern and defense in equal measure.
The feature requires both devices to have iOS 17, be unlocked, and be very close or touching for several seconds.
The Washington Post cites Sophos digital security expert Chester Wisniewski calling the warnings about NameDrop 'hysteria' and 'nonsense', as Apple has safeguards in place to prevent unintentional information sharing.