Your data is worth protecting. Many of us know that every time we use a new app, we run the risk of more and more of our data getting out there. All too many apps are loose about collecting our data. Even if the apps are transparent about data collection, it can be daunting to realize just how much of your information is not only being collected, but may be sold to third-parties for profits.
What can you do about data collection? It’s a really good idea to deny permissions when possible. For example, if an app asks for your permission to access your microphone, and there’s no legitimate reason why it should need to listen in on you, deny that permission.
But it’s also important to have clarity on which apps are known for collecting the most of your personal data so that you can be extra vigilant when using those apps. Here are five to keep on your radar.
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1. Google
Google collects so much of your information: search history, location, browsing activity, and app usage. It gets data from your Gmail, Google Assistant, and even your YouTube viewing. You can try using a privacy-focused search engine such as DuckDuckGo instead of Google and use a VPN to hide your IP address, which can prevent Google from collecting so much of your data.
2. Facebook
Facebook collects a lot of data like your location, browsing history, interactions with ads, likes, comments, and information about your contacts. Meta, which is Facebook’s parent company, also tracks your activity across other Meta sites like Instagram.
3. Instagram
Another Meta app, Instagram tracks your browsing activity, location, your interactions with other posts, and the people you follow.
4. Snapchat
Snapchat collects a lot of data on its users, including your device information, location, the interactions you have, and the photos or videos that you share. It uses this data in a few ways: to improve its apps, and also for targeted advertising.
5. TikTok
TikTok is one of the apps that is under the most scrutiny for its data collection practices. It tracks users’ location, device information, how users interact with its content, and even biometric data such as face and voice recognition. The only true way to guarantee it can’t collect your data is to delete and not use the app.
