Apple makes it easier for people at risk of domestic violence to cut ties with an ex-partner or spouse. Coming to iOS 16 is Apple’s new tool called Safety Check. After you upgrade to the new operating system, you will find it in the settings under Privacy and security. There are two options. One is emergency reset. This is for people who need to immediately stop someone from following them. With a few taps on the screen, it blocks everyone you’ve given permission to see your location and/or the apps you have on your phone to collect information. It also resets emergency contacts and prompts you to set a new device password. The other option allows a user to manage sharing and access. You will be given the opportunity to choose who to block and which apps you no longer want on your phone, collecting data and information to share. Offenders have been known to use “stalkerware,” apps you may not know share your location, username passwords, and access to text messages, photos, calendars, and smart home devices. After you’ve done the Security Checkup, you’ll see a list of every app on the device along with the information it’s sharing and the data it’s accessing. If you suspect that someone is tracking or tracking you, or that someone has installed an app without your permission, you can delete any apps you don’t recognize and delete the data they’ve collected. Security Check will also show you all the devices you’re signed in to with your Apple ID. This can be your ID or one you share with someone else. You’ll see a list of computers, smartphones, iPads, TVs, and any smart home devices that anyone with your Apple ID and password can control or access. Another option is to delete all or all emergency contacts and add new ones, as well as an easy way to change your device password. Apple also added a safety tool that can protect you if you feel at risk because the person you want to block is in the same room or looking over your shoulder. A Quick Exit button will immediately send you back to the home screen. You can also see all the devices you are connected to. Phones, iPads, computers, TVs. Revoke access to any you don’t recognize. This allows you to delete emergency contacts and change your password. You won’t be able to use Security Check until you upgrade to iOS 16, which will be available to everyone on September 12.
