That iPhone pop-up “Allow this app to track?” — here’s what it means.
What tracking does:
Apps follow you OUTSIDE the app to see what else you do, building ad profiles and sharing data across companies.
How to stop it:
iPhone: Always tap “Ask App Not to Track”
Android: Settings → Privacy → Ads → Delete advertising ID
Does it work?
Mostly yes. It stops the easiest tracking. Companies still try “fingerprinting” but platforms are cracking down.
Tracking affects more than ads — it influences prices you see and how data brokers categorize you.