Loupe: What Apps Can See

Apple iOS is as bad as (if not, worse) than Google browsers. I’m writing this review before I throw my phone in the trash. I’m kidding, at least for now, but this is the first app I’ve seen demonstrate to a great extent the variables apps can use to build a fingerprint. It’d be cool to see some recommendations as to how we can potentially reduce the surface that apps are able to access, if possible, and maybe a demonstration of (opt-in) fingerprinting via Firebase (crashlytics?) and the despicable persistent keychain data that can’t be deleted that apps use to fingerprint. Looking forward to future updates!

Yeah “fingerprinting” is a form of identifying and tracking you digitally, exploiting your information and you online. But how exactly? By what means? And how do you measure that? No better way to explain than demonstrate than by picking up your very own, go to, most used “computer” — your iPhone. Let Loupe do the walking. You can’t help but watch and learn. It’s personal. It’s your device. Excellent demonstration for a reliable lesson in digital tracking but WITHOUT the online exploitation.

Everyone should try this app. Then go through all the scary information it provides and stay up all night being fearful about the 10,000 apps you have accumulated on your iPad and iPhones. Its fun! Be careful with the maple syrup though. I took my phone out of my pocket and found pocket lint stuck to the syrup. I had to give the phone to a Labrador Retriever for a thorough tongue washing. Its clean now, and works great, but I can only use it on speaker because when I hold it close to my face the intense smell of doggie breath gives me an irresistible urge to chase tennis balls. The first time it happened I ran out in the street and was almost run over by a postal delivery truck. I was okay, but I ended up chasing the truck for three blocks, barking loudly.