Police warn parents about new iPhone feature
Police Agencies Warn Parents About New iPhone Feature
As technology continues to advance, police agencies across the country are alerting parents to a potential safety concern related to a new iPhone software feature.
The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office in Michigan is among the departments urging parents to review their smartphone settings following a recent update.
The sheriff’s office posted on Facebook, ”If you have an iPhone and have completed the recent iOS 17 update, they have set a feature called ‘NameDrop’ to default to ON after completing the update.”
The feature, known as NameDrop, allows users to share their contact information when in close proximity to another iPhone. The post also emphasized the importance of limiting who can receive the shared information through AirDrop.
The sheriff’s office provided a step-by-step guide to disable the feature: “To shut this off, go to Settings, General, AirDrop, Bringing Devices Together, and change it to OFF.”
The post also reminded parents to adjust the settings on their children’s iPhones after the update.
Similar warnings have been issued by police departments nationwide, including the Punta Gorda Police Department in Florida and the Middletown Division of Police in Ohio.
This message is being sent out by local police departments warning citizens and parents about the new NameDrop feature in iOS 17.
Via: Reddit pic.twitter.com/LzvFlOvzSO
— Mr. Macintosh (@ClassicII_MrMac) November 27, 2023
In an article on Forbes, Davey Winder provided some context to the warning. He acknowledged the potential risk of a stalker or malicious actor accessing contact details through NameDrop but emphasized that the phone must be unlocked for the feature to work.
Winder also highlighted that the phones need to physically touch at the top for the Contact Card information to be shared, and both parties must actively select the option to share.
Apple’s support page confirms the intentional nature of the process, stating, “To cancel, move the two devices away from each other or lock your iPhone before the NameDrop transfer completes.”
The post Police Issue Warning to Parents About New iPhone Feature appeared first on The Western Journal.
How can parents disable the NameDrop feature on their children’s iPhones to address the safety concerns?
The advancement of technology brings with it both convenience and potential risks. Recently, police agencies across the country have issued warnings to parents regarding a new iPhone software feature that could pose safety concerns for their children. One such agency is the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office in Michigan, which has urged parents to review their smartphone settings following a recent update.
In a Facebook post, the sheriff’s office highlighted the default setting of the new feature called ‘NameDrop’ in the iOS 17 update. It was stated, “If you have an iPhone and have completed the recent iOS 17 update, they have set a feature called ‘NameDrop’ to default to ON after completing the update.” The NameDrop feature allows users to share their contact information when in close proximity to another iPhone. The post also emphasized the importance of limiting who can receive the shared information through AirDrop.
To address this safety concern, the sheriff’s office provided a step-by-step guide on how to disable the NameDrop feature. Users were instructed to go to Settings, General, AirDrop, Bringing Devices Together, and change the setting to OFF. Additionally, parents were reminded to adjust the settings on their children’s iPhones after the update.
Similar warnings have been issued by police departments nationwide, including the Punta Gorda Police Department in Florida and the Middletown Division of Police in Ohio. Concerned citizens and parents have been alerted to the potential risks associated with the NameDrop feature.
Davey Winder, in an article on Forbes, provided further context to the warning. He acknowledged the potential risk of a stalker or malicious actor accessing contact details through NameDrop but clarified that the phone must be unlocked for the feature to work. Winder also highlighted that physical contact between the two devices is necessary for the Contact Card information to be shared, and both parties must actively select the option to share.
Apple’s support page confirms the intentional nature of the NameDrop feature and provides guidance on how to cancel the transfer. It states, “To cancel, move the two devices away from each other or lock your iPhone before the NameDrop transfer completes.”
In conclusion, police agencies are alerting parents to the potential safety concerns related to the new NameDrop feature on iPhones. By reviewing their smartphone settings and disabling the feature if necessary, parents can take proactive measures to protect their children from unwanted contact or potential risks. As technology continues to advance, it is crucial for individuals to stay informed about new features and take appropriate steps to ensure their safety and privacy.
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