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How to disable Apple's Journal setting “Discoverable by others” which is enabled by default

How to opt out of using the Journal#039;s & #039;Discoverable by others' function

Apple's Journal app automatically allows you to share your location with people around you — like. The truth is complicated. Here's what exactly that means and how to opt out.

In December, Apple released the Journal app. It's an easy way for users to get used to digital journaling. Its simple interface — and lack of iPad support — did not make the application particularly popular.

This may be why it took so long for anyone to notice that Apple has the “Discoverable by others” setting turned on by default. The setting doesn't quite do what it's supposed to do.

This arrangement, spotted by The Wall Street Journal, definitely sounds like it's invading your privacy. But it doesn't share your journal or even your journal suggestions with anyone around you.

Shared to Others is part of Journal Suggestions, a feature that suggests topics to write about based on your phone, the music you listen to, places you've been, people you've called, or photos. which you I took. However, Discover by Others is enabled even if you haven't enabled logging suggestions.

An Apple spokesperson reached out to the WSJ and said the option is intended to improve its journaling offerings. Their example was: “Let's say you're hosting a dinner party at your home with friends from your contacts. The system may prioritize this in suggestions because it knows from the participant count that there was something special about the event. It's just a normal night at home with the family.”

So the app doesn't reveal what you record, but it does reveal your location — like, like, something like. At the very least, it uses your location data and cross-checks it to see if you're hanging out with other people in your contacts. And he does the same for them.

Apple says it does not store information about which contacts were nearby — but instead, it uses this information to encourage you to journal about any noteworthy events. The company reiterates that it does not share anything personal with anyone around you.

However, if this option scares you a little, here's how to turn it off.

How to turn off the “Share with others” history setting

  1. On your iPhone, open Settings
  2. Scroll down and tap Privacy & Security
  3. Tap Journaling Suggestions
  4. Scroll down and turn off Shared with others

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