Apple’s NameDrop feature, a recent addition to iOS 17, has recently come under scrutiny, with an explosion of posts from police departments across the United States advising adults not to use the feature on their devices due to potential privacy and safety risks. So, this article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to turn off NameDrop on iPhone in iOS 17, along with an explanation of why you might want to consider disabling it.
Why you might consider turning off NameDrop in iOS 17
Several social media posts, like his one from the Jefferson Hills Police Department and the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, raised concerns that this feature could allow stalkers and malicious individuals to gain access to other people’s contact details and highlighted that “the feature could allow the sharing of your contact info just by bringing your phones close together.”
There’s also a footnote specifically aimed at parents, seemingly underscoring the notion that children are at a heightened risk from this modus.
While the concern is not entirely unfounded, understanding the feature’s operational mechanics and safety checks can alleviate many of these fears. The safeguards built into NameDrop – such as requiring physical proximity, mutual consent, and user control over shared information – significantly reduce the risk of unintended data sharing.
But if you want to be on the safe side, turning the feature off is pretty straightforward – as shown below.
How to disable NameDrop in iOS 17
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone → Tap General.
- Select AirDrop.
- Under the section Start Sharing By, toggle off Bringing Devices Together.
- You can also change the settings for who can discover you and share files and contact cards with you via AirDrop.
Disabling contact sharing through NameDrop in iOS 17 is a straightforward task. However, understanding how the technology works and why there’s a sudden uproar about turning it off might intrigue you. So, here’s the full story.
Video: How to disable NameDrop in iOS 17
Wrapping up…
What are your thoughts about the issue? Do you think the concerns are blown up, or are they justified? Share your thoughts below!
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