Apple App store “data not linked to you”

Questions
1

I’ve been using discord for years and I noticed it says it collects “search history” in the app store. I use private browsing 24/7 so my search history is never stored on device. Have all of my duckduckgo searches been collected by discord through safari? If so that makes me VERY uncomfortable. I know it is supposedly not linked to me if it is taken, but is this something I should believe?

2

Citing this Reddit post here:

In that context, “search history” means "Information about searches performed in the app ", not your general search history (that would be “browsing history” instead). Thus, that would be the search history within-Discord, when you search for stuff in messages in DMs/servers.

Confusing word choice, but this appears to make sense as your Discord searches will happen within the app. I wouldn’t worry about Discord magically reading your browsing activity.

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3

Ok, thanks! Sorry that just made me super worried because we all search things we would rather not be collected by 3rd party apps haha

4

Sorry to ask but does this also apply to groupme which also says it collects “search history”?

5

There is no direct permission which allows apps to get your (Safari) browsing history.

Apps could get it by one of two ways:

  • acting as a VPN/proxy and intercepting all traffic, which you’d have to allow via: Settings > General > VPN & Device Management > VPN
  • acting as a browser extension with the “Webpage Contents and Browsing History” permission granted, which you have to allow via: Settings > Apps > Safari > Extensions > [the malicious one] > Allow Extension > enabled
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6

So do I need to worry about this if using discord or groupme?

7

they very likely are not accessing your browser history, but:

  • they can still attribute your identity with other services/data brokers
  • all your communications in those apps are not private and can be read/analyzed by them

you can aid this situation by:

  • switching to safer chat apps if possible: The Best Private Instant Messengers - Privacy Guides
  • adjusting Safari via Settings > Apps > Safari:
    • Private Search Engine: DuckDuckGo
    • Preload Top Hit: disabled
    • Block Pop-ups: enabled
    • Extensions
      • AdGuard: enable all but primary
        • requires AdGuard installed first
    • Prevent Cross-Site Tracking: enabled
    • Hide IP Address: Trackers and Websites
      • requires iCloud subscription to use Private Relay
    • Fraudulent Website Warning: enabled
    • Not Secure Connection Warning: enabled
    • Advanced
      • Advanced Tracking and Fingerprinting Protection: All Browsing
      • Privacy Preserving Ad Measurement: disabled
      • Check for Apple Pay: disabled
8

Yeah, i need to quit using them but I just want to know how screwed I am. Thanks!