One of the most innocuous features enabled on millions of iPhones is also one of the most dangerous for those seeking to protect their privacy in public. Apple's AirDrop protocol uses trivially bypassed security measures that authorities like the Chinese government have openly bragged about cracking to identify users since at least 2022.

You should assume that any device with AirDrop enabled is constantly broadcasting your name, email address, and phone number to everyone around you, even if you have it set to “Contacts Only.” Apple has known about this flaw since 2019 and has not issued any fix.

1. Open the Settings app

2. Navigate to General

3. Navigate to AirDrop

4. Select Receiving Off

Your phone signals can be used to track you even if you don't make a call or send a text. Some law enforcement agencies use “stingrays,” devices which can impersonate a cell tower to track visitors to an area. It is

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4 "Apple AirDrop leaks user data like a sieve. Chinese authorities say they're scooping it up. "