Privacy PixieThe Vision Pro headset, a product of Apple, is set to hit the U.S. market on Friday with a staggering price tag of $3,499. Despite the high cost, many Apple enthusiasts believe it’s a worthy investment, given the company’s CEO, Tim Cook, has expressed his belief that this device will revolutionize the world.
Cook declared the advent of the spatial computing era during the headset’s announcement. He touted the Vision Pro as the pinnacle of consumer electronics innovation, with its groundbreaking user interface set to transform our methods of communication, creativity, and exploration.
However, those who prioritize privacy may approach this device with caution, as concerns have been raised about potential data collection and sharing with third parties. The privacy implications of the Vision Pro are extensive, according to tech columnist Geoffrey A. Fowler of the Washington Post.
Fowler labels the Vision Pro as a potential privacy disaster in the making. Despite Apple’s efforts to implement safeguards, there are uncertainties about the device’s practical operation.
What is Vision Pro?
For those unfamiliar with the Vision Pro, it is Apple’s response to the mixed reality headset. Apple characterizes the Vision Pro as a groundbreaking spatial computer that alters the way people work, collaborate, connect, relive memories, and entertain themselves.
The Vision Pro achieves this by merging digital content with the real world. Users can engage in immersive spatial experiences through its operating system, visionOS, which is controlled by eye movements, hand gestures, and voice commands. Apple has also introduced a new App Store featuring over a million Vision Pro compatible apps across iOS and iPadOS.
Users can interact with apps by merely looking at them and use hand gestures or voice commands for navigation and input.
Why is the Apple Vision Pro a Privacy Risk?
Despite its impressive features, the Vision Pro could pose a privacy threat.
Fowler paints a picture of a scenario where someone enters a waiting room with four iPhones strapped to their forehead, which would likely make others uncomfortable. This is essentially what happens when someone dons Apple’s new Vision Pro headset. Each headset is equipped with an array of sensors and cameras, equivalent to a head full of iPhones, that continuously track people and their surroundings in three dimensions.
Fowler points out that it collects more data than any other personal device he has ever encountered. Privacy researchers have raised concerns about who will have access to the detailed maps these devices create of users’ homes.
For instance, owning a 75-inch television could indicate a higher spending capacity than someone with a 42-inch model. The Vision Pro has object recognition capabilities, which could theoretically identify items like a baby crib, a wheelchair, or even illicit substances. Such data could be highly valuable to advertisers, data brokers, or potentially even government entities, experts warn.
How is Apple Ensuring Privacy with the Vision Pro?
The Vision Pro by Apple comes with a stern privacy warning. So, what measures is Apple implementing to limit the data collected by this device? A number of steps have been taken, including the protection of sensitive data like the direction of a user’s gaze. The device also features an indicator on the front screen that signals when it is recording, providing an opportunity for individuals to move out of its field of view.
The device does not share eye tracking data with Apple, third-party applications, or websites. This restriction prevents app developers from accessing the camera to take pictures or videos, thereby eliminating the possibility of running facial recognition software on individuals.
By default, FaceTime conversations are encrypted from end to end, making them inaccessible to anyone, including Apple and government entities.
Apple explains on its developer site how the system manages camera and sensor inputs without directly transmitting the information to apps. The system is designed to allow your app to interact smoothly with a user’s environment and to automatically receive user input.
In a similar vein, the system can automatically modify the appearance of a view when someone looks at it, without the app ever being aware of the user’s gaze.
In the rare instances where you need access to the position of a hand or information about the user’s environment, the system requires you to first obtain the user’s permission.
It’s worth noting that even Fowler acknowledges that his concerns are hypothetical. Apple is a prominent player in the privacy arena and will always strive to safeguard its reputation.
Apple has been contacted for a statement, and this article will be updated if the company responds.
Is the Apple Vision Pro a Threat to Privacy?
If you’re considering purchasing the Vision Pro, either now or in the future, you might be wondering if it’s the privacy nightmare Fowler suggests.
The first thing to bear in mind is that this is new technology, and the risks are likely to emerge as the device is put to use. Like everyone else, Fowler can only speculate about potential issues.
In general, caution should be exercised with any new device that collects data. As Jake Moore, a global cybersecurity advisor at ESET, points out, “It is packed with sensors, cameras, and microphones, so controlling privacy could be a challenge.” He suggests that the device could potentially monitor and analyze a vast amount of information.
Security risks are also a consideration, as cybercriminals will be searching for vulnerabilities in Apple’s Vision Pro. However, it’s worth noting that Apple is diligent about security updates, with the first patch for the Vision Pro already available, even before its launch.
In conclusion, if you’re keen to purchase the Vision Pro at launch, proceed with caution, as you would with any new tech product. While safeguards are in place, it’s advisable to consider when and where you use it, and to thoroughly read the privacy policy before using it.
