Apple's iPhone's new iOS 17 operating system includes a feature called "NameDrop"
Apple's iPhone's new iOS 17 operating system includes a feature called "NameDrop" that is activated by default on the phones of users who update their software, prompting authorities to share information on how to turn it off.
The feature allows iPhone owners to share their contact information with other devices, like iPhones and watches, that they come in to close contact with, as well as receive contacts from other people.
How does the NameDrop feature work?
All one has to due is hold their phone's screen close to the top of another person's iPhone, which will cause both devices to vibrate. Once they link, a NameDrop prompt will appear on both phone screens, allowing users to choose if they want to share and receive contact cards.
iPhone users can select what contact information, such as phone numbers and email addresses, they wish to share, according to Apple's website.
Why are authorities warning iPhone users about NameDrop?
It's handy for quickly sharing information without having to send a text or manually share a contact card. But authorities are warning that it could give bad actors easy access to the personal information of unsuspecting victims.
Police departments across the U.S. issue alerts to parents about a new iPhone feature
The recent introduction of the NameDrop feature on iPhones has prompted police departments across the country to issue alerts to parents. One such department, the Jefferson Hills Police Department, took to Facebook to urge parents to turn off the feature on their children's phones.
"This feature could allow the sharing of your contact info just by bringing your phones close together," the department warned in a Facebook post. "Don't forget to change these settings after the update on your children's phones, also, to help keep them safe as well."
How to turn off NameDrop on your iPhone
If you want to disable the NameDrop feature on your iPhone, follow these steps:
- Open your iPhone's settings.
- Select "General" and then "AirDrop."
- To turn off NameDrop, toggle the "Bringing Devices Together" sharing option to the off position.
