Law enforcement releases a critical alert regarding the latest iOS iPhone update.

Authorities have issued a pressing alert concerning a new function introduced in the most recent version of iOS. Airdrop, a feature familiar to many users, enables the rapid sharing of files with nearby devices.

Apple has recently added a new component to Airdrop known as 'NameDrop.' Operating similarly to Airdrop, this feature facilitates the swift exchange of contact information among users. The intention is to streamline the process of sharing phone numbers without the need for manual entry.

However, law enforcement has expressed significant apprehensions about the safety implications of this new feature, as it may potentially grant easy access to personal information. Although confirming the sharing of contact details is a prerequisite, individuals unfamiliar with the pop-up's purpose may inadvertently disclose their information to strangers.

Similarly, if someone gains access to a reliably accurate contact for you, it could pose future risks. Consider a scenario where a woman in a bar wishes to deter a persistent man by providing a false number. If that number were to be scanned, this evasion tactic would no longer be effective.

The Watertown Police Department in Connecticut issued a cautionary statement, alerting the public about the default activation of 'NameDrop' in the new Apple update. With this feature enabled, any individual can place their phone adjacent to yours (or your child's phone) and effortlessly obtain their contact details, including their picture, phone number, email address, and more, with a simple tap on your unlocked screen.

The department also provided instructions on how to deactivate this feature.

"To disable this feature go to General - AirDrop - and shut off 'Bringing Devices Together'."

It added: "While in the airdrop settings, make sure you have 'contacts only' set so you don’t receive unwanted pictures from strangers."

However, some people claimed that the police's advice may have been a bit alarmist.

One posted: "This is fear mongering. This is not a safety issue. You have to acknowledge the exchange."

Another wrote: "The two devices need to be unlocked and nearly touching one another, and even then both parties need to acknowledge the exchange with a tap for it to take place."

A third pointed out that even with approval, it might give people some peace of mind to know how to disable the feature.

They wrote: "Done. Thank you for this PSA! Approval or NOT, thank you for sharing this information. Always helpful to know more than less!"

---