With so much talk about online privacy concerns and apps that are using your data to turn a profit, it’s a good idea to review the apps you use on a regular basis and consider giving the boot to any that are particularly egregious. But where do you begin such a daunting process? Privacy Expert Kristen Bolig, founder of the security site SecurityNerd, spoke to SHEFinds.com about the one app you should delete ASAP.
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Although many apps harvest user data, Facebook has long been considered one of the worst offenders, according to Bolig. “In case you need a reminder, Cambridge Analytica leaked over 87 million Facebook users' data in the lead up to the 2016 election,” Bolig says. “Not only does Facebook continuously collect your data, but it also sells your information to third-party advertisers.”
Unfortunately, despite how popular Facebook continues to be, many of the same issues persist on the social media site. “Despite the many recent Facebook PR campaigns, the site continues to harvest and sell user data,” Bolig says. “The only true way to protect your privacy is to delete the app. Although quitting the site cold turkey may seem difficult, it’s necessary to keep your information away from the social media giant.”
If you find it difficult to quit Facebook, Bolig suggests adjusting your ad preferences. “In your account settings, visit the ‘ads’ section to restrict permissions,” Bolig says. “You can prohibit Facebook from showing you targeted ads based on things like your relationship status, location, and other personal information.”
Although it doesn’t apply to all apps, the saying “if an app is free, you are the product” is often the case. Without a way to profit from subscriptions, many apps sell your data to advertisers to keep afloat. The good news is that you can take away their ability to do so at any time — delete the app or change your settings as much as possible to avoid this invasion of your privacy.
