Apple Introduces NameDrop: How students can positively navigate privacy concerns
Be sure to check out the suggested Huddle question at the bottom of this article to discuss this important topic with your students in class, if you feel it is appropriate.
Amid the latest tech features, NameDrop, designed for newer iPhones and Apple Watch devices, has stirred up quite a buzz. This update allows students to easily share contact information, such as their phone number, address, and email, just by bringing their iPhones close together. Despite warnings from specific police departments that students will accidentally share their private information with strangers and reports from news outlets about potential privacy risks, a closer examination reveals a less-than-alarming reality.
As students begin to use new tech features like NameDrop, the ability to discern between real safety concerns and scare tactics becomes essential to prevent unnecessary fears around tech use. The introduction of NameDrop is an important reminder for educators to stay informed on evolving safety concerns with tech to empower students to protect their privacy when using new iPhone features.
Identifying genuine safety matters amidst privacy conversations
Namedrop introduces a capability to easily share contact information by bringing iPhones close together. Users can put the top of their phones against one another, and a contact card appears for transmitting or receiving contact information. While some cybersecurity experts recognize that NameDrop allows the sharing of personal information, including with strangers, there are opinions that the warnings about this feature are exaggerated.
Wireless sharing of contact information when devices are near each other has been criticized by police departments in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Oklahoma and several news outlets, stating that it allows other iPhone users to get students’ contact information without their consent.
The warnings, while well-intentioned, contribute to a culture of fear around technology. When police and news sites are sending out alerts regularly about how different tech features aren’t safe, even if they are, students may feel after multiple reports that there is no safe and positive way to use technology. The Washington Post assured iPhone users that NameDrop is safe to use, and while the risk is not zero, another user would have to get incredibly close to you to take your contact information, and those odds are slim.
Chester Wisniewski, a digital security specialist at Sophos, a security software company, called the warnings about NameDrop “hysteria” and “nonsense.”
For students growing up with ever-evolving technology, false alarms, and exaggerated privacy concerns can negatively shape their perceptions and interactions with technology. Educators can address concerns with NameDrop and other privacy concerns like using public wifi and chargers to ensure students are empowered rather than fearful when navigating technology.
How to Disable NameDrop on your iPhone
For students or educators who want to disable NameDrop on their devices amidst the concerns, here is a step-by-step guide on how to do so:
- Open Settings on your iPhone
- Scroll down and click on General
- Select AirDrop
- Turn off the button for “Bringing Devices Together.” (green means on, gray means off)
Turning off NameDrop is not permanent; students can always turn it back on if they want to share a contact. These steps provide an extra security measure for students concerned about accidentally sharing their contacts.
Helping students navigate the NameDrop concerns and protect their privacy
The influence that privacy concerns have on students goes beyond just NameDrop. It adds to a bigger story where exaggerated worries might discourage students from responsibly embracing technology. Instead of introducing restrictions, educators can empower students to navigate the online world positively by guiding students in managing their online presence and privacy settings. Here is how you can help students protect their privacy and use technology responsibly:
- Clear up unnecessary fears about technology: The Washington Post highlights common tech concerns that students have in 2023, such as using public wifi, iPhone face scanners, NameDrop, and public chargers. Assure students that these features, among many more, are safe to use when used responsibly. If students are still concerned, encourage them to research features they are weary about to protect themselves better when using technology.
- Foster a proactive attitude toward online safety: It’s much easier for students to take proactive measures to protect their safety than reacting to a loss of privacy control. Whether creating strong and unique passwords or turning off receiving for AirDrop to prevent unsolicited photos, protecting your privacy is essential to control your personal information and well-being. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!
- Remind students only to share their contact information when they’re comfortable: When meeting new people and making connections, it’s normal for students to feel uneasy about who they share their information. Let students know not to NameDrop their contact to someone they don’t feel 100% comfortable with and instead share a social media handle, like a Snapchat or an Instagram username, which is safer and less personal.
By incorporating real-world examples and practical tips, educators can equip students with the knowledge and skills to navigate technology responsibly. For more tips on empowering and providing students with technology, rather than scaring and restricting them, huddle up with your students on how to upgrade privacy settings to control and manage their personal information.
#WinAtSocial Huddle Question
Huddle with your students
Apple recently introduced a new feature called NameDrop, where students can easily share their contact just by putting the top of their phone against someone else’s. While this is a great feature for making connections, you may not want to share your contact information with all of the people you meet. That being said, if someone wants your phone number, and you don’t want to give it to them, what are some responses you can give? Would you give a social media handle as an alternative?
The Social Institute (TSI) is the leader in empowering students by understanding students. Through #WinAtSocial, our gamified, peer-to-peer learning platform, we equip students, educators, and families to navigate their social world – in the classroom and beyond, online and offline – in healthy, high-character ways. Our unique, student-respected approach empowers and equips, rather than scares and restricts. We incorporate timely topics about social media, tech use, and current events that are impacting student well-being and learning. #WinAtSocial Lessons teach life skills for the modern day, capture student voice, and provide school leaders with actionable insights. Through these insights, students play an essential role in school efforts to support their own health, happiness, and future success as we enable high-impact teaching, meaningful family conversations, and a healthy school culture.