New iPhone Setting Raises Privacy Concerns
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A "creepy" iPhone setting called "Discoverable by Others" was automatically enabled in the latest iOS update. It allows your device to be detected by contacts to improve journaling suggestions.
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The setting works with the new Journal app in iOS 17.2 to give personalized suggestions on what moments to journal about using your iPhone data.
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Even if you delete the Journal app, "Discoverable by Others" stays on by default.
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Apple says the setting uses Bluetooth to detect nearby contacts without storing specifics. It uses this context to make better suggestions in the Journal app.
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The feature is on by default so users get the benefit even if their contacts don't use the Journal app. You can turn it off in Settings if desired.