Apple Inc., the renowned tech giant, recently rolled out an update for its iPhone software. However, the new feature called ‘Discoverable by Others’ has left many users feeling uneasy. However, this is not the case, The Wall Street Journal reported.
As part of the iOS 17.2 update, released on December 11, 2023, Apple introduced a new app named ‘Journal’. The Journal app, a personal journaling software, is designed to help users capture and record moments, from the places they’ve visited to the songs they’ve played.
The app also includes a new feature termed ‘Journaling Suggestions API’ or application programming interface. This feature recommends topics for users to write about based on data collected from their phone.
Remember: Apple’s Journaling Suggestions API is designed to help users by providing suggestions based on their activities and data.
However, it’s the ‘Discoverable by Others’ feature associated with ‘Journaling Suggestions’ that has caused a stir. When Journaling Suggestions is enabled, ‘Discoverable by Others’ is turned on by default, making many iPhone users uneasy.
The primary concern among users is the belief that their personal data, such as their name and location, is being shared without their consent. Despite assurances from Apple that this is not the case, many users have taken to social media to express their concerns and urge others to turn the feature off.
It’s crucial to understand that while ‘Discoverable by Others’ is enabled by default, it doesn’t necessarily mean your personal information is being shared without your consent.
Apple’s stance on the matter is clear. According to their ‘Journaling Suggestions & Privacy’ page, users retain control over their entries in the Journal app. This means that if you choose to share your suggestions with the Journal app, you control what entries are shared.
For users who have locked their iPhones with a passcode, Apple assures that all Journal entries are end-to-end encrypted when stored in iCloud, meaning even Apple can’t read them.
The ‘Discoverable by Others’ feature, when enabled, picks up the number of devices near you as well as any saved contacts within your Bluetooth range. Nevertheless, it does not save any details of the contacts or people near to your phone, nor does it reveal any of your information to anyone else.
This feature functions much like AirDrop, allowing iPhone users to share their Journal with nearby users who also have their Bluetooth enabled, provided approvals are given first.
For those who are still uncomfortable with this feature, there are options to increase your security. Users can turn off Journal’s ability to use the number of nearby devices and contacts to develop writing prompts. This can be done by navigating to Settings > Privacy & Security > Journaling Suggestions and toggling off ‘Prefer Suggestions with Others’.
Turning off ‘Discoverable by Others’ and ‘Prefer Suggestions with Others’ will make Journaling Suggestions less accurate and specific when providing prompts.
