iOS 17, the latest iPhone operating system, initially brought with it a warning about NameDrop – a feature built into AirDrop that allows users to share virtual business cards. However, several police departments in the US have recommended that parents and guardians disable this feature on the phones of people in their care.
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Quick Summary of iOS 17 and NameDrop
- iOS 17, for the latest iPhone models, introduces NameDrop in AirDrop for sharing virtual business cards.
- Police departments warn of the need to disable NameDrop, especially due to the potential to confuse the elderly, children and vulnerable people.
- The feature is set to “AirDrop” in the device settings, allowing you to customize the information on the card under “My Card” in the “Contacts” section. Sharing occurs when the iPhones are nearby.
How to Disable AirDrop
To disable AirDrop, you need to access “Settings”, “General” and “AirDrop”, disabling the “Bring Devices Closer” option in the “Start Sharing to” section.
However, an article in Wired magazine points out that, although NameDrop is activated automatically, consent is essential during the process. This mechanism ensures that no information can be obtained without explicit permission.
Certainly, according to Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin, police, the feature could be easily confused by the elderly, children and other vulnerable groups. Other departments, including Halifax, Massachusetts, Henry, Georgia and Middletown, Connecticut, have also issued similar warnings.
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More Details About the NameDrop Alert
Likewise, NameDrop is part of AirDrop, an exclusive feature for sharing between Apple devices, such as iPhone, iPad and Mac. In “My Card”, in the “Contacts” settings, you can customize what is shared through this feature.
Sometimes sharing occurs when the iPhones are close together, and you can cancel by moving them apart. You can choose whether you want to share and receive the other person's contact or just receive it.
In order to provide security and privacy, if the idea of privacy concerns you, disabling AirDrop is simple: just go to “Settings”, “General” and “AirDrop”, and turn off the “Bring Devices Closer” option.
However, Wired magazine argues that it is not necessary to disable this iOS feature. Although it is automatically activated, it is essential to note that consent is an integral part of the entire process. Therefore, it is not possible for anyone to obtain your information without your explicit permission.
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