Researchers revealed that Meta and Yandex utilized their native Android apps to collect web browsing data from users through the localhost loopback interface. This method allowed them to connect browsing activities with user identities, raising significant privacy concerns. After the report, Meta's tracking practices were altered to comply with Google Play policies. A Meta spokesperson acknowledged the issue and indicated they are working with Google to clarify concerns about their data collection methods, which initially violated privacy safeguards.
Localhost is a loopback address that a device can use to make a network request to itself.... The researchers... observe[d] how the... social media giant and... search engine were... using native Android apps to gather web cookie data.
We are in discussions with Google to address a potential miscommunication regarding the application of their policies... we decided to pause the feature while we work with Google to resolve the issue.
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