Facebook has begun displaying messages to Apple iPhone and iPad users pressuring them to accept Facebook's tracking requests. Under Apple's new rules, all apps must actively seek user permission to track user activity across

Screenshots posted to Twitter by Ashkan Soltani, Tom's Guide on iOS 14.5 Shows two screens that could not be reproduced in our use of Instagram; the grab with the Facebook and Instagram messages mentions that the ads keep the app "free". It's a subtle but vaguely passive-aggressive suggestion that if users don't agree to be tracked, they might have to pay for Facebook's products.

Indeed, Facebook is very dependent on being able to leverage vast amounts of data about its users.

Facebook has made extensive use of its ability to track users on all of its sites until it was recently banned by all major browsers. Many services have Facebook Share/Like buttons embedded in their pages, allowing Facebook to see how users are using the web and to understand how users are using the Internet. If interested, one can request a copy of this data.

Facebook has vocally opposed Apple's recent move to return control of privacy to its users. Mark Zuckerberg said on an earnings call in January, "Apple may say they are doing this to help people, but the move is clearly following their competitive interests. It should be noted that even Apple's apps are not exempt from this rule, and Apple follows the same rules as other companies when it comes to tracking you on other services.

Not all users will see this message, but if they do, it is important to remember that life existed before Instagram and will exist long after Facebook's reign is over. Blocking third-party tracking gives you a little more control.