We’re becoming increasingly more aware of the kinds of data the apps we download are collecting and sharing with third-party advertisers. This is a giant leap forward from where we were years ago (basically, in the dark) and it puts you more in control of whether you allow others to access your information and what they do with it. But you may still be wondering how you can tell if an app is even collecting data on you. And the answer is actually simpler than you think. Tech Expert Robert Lowry, the VP of Security at BeenVerified, shares with SHEFinds.com how you can tell what your apps are up to — and what to do if you want to retain your privacy.
Ways your can tell is your apps are sharing your data
First, some good news: Apple products like the iPhone and the iPad actually make it easy to tell what data is being collected on you. “You can see this information for both apps that you are currently using or apps you are thinking about downloading,” Lowry says. “This is a mandatory requirement by Apple for all Apps.”
To see this information, Lowry says you should go to the AppStore and search for the app. “Click the App icon to see more information,” Lowry says. “If you scroll down you can see what type of data your device is collecting and sending to the App makers. Under App Privacy you can click ‘See Details’ to see more information.”
Also in the App Privacy section, Lowry points out that each App is required to have a “Developer’s Privacy Policy.” “Clicking this link will bring you to the developer’s website where they are required to tell you what they do with the information, including things like ‘Do we sell your information to a third party?’” Lowry says.
From there, with more information under your belt, you should be able to make a more informed decision about whether that app is worth keeping — or whether you should take steps to address how it’s accessing and sharing your data.
How can you minimize how apps use your data?
If there are apps that are sharing your data and you don’t want them to anymore, Lowry says there are different steps you can take. “Certain pieces of data, such as your location, can be turned on and off for different apps in your settings,” Lowry says. “Of course, this may mean certain features are unavailable, but every single app doesn’t need your location to perform its duties. Another piece of data you can stop apps from collecting in your settings is ad tracking. Another solution to stop apps from collecting data is to delete the app from all of your devices. This may not work retroactively and they might still be able to access data they’ve already collected, but it’s a good way to prevent it from happening in the future.”
The reality is that many apps, and especially free ones, are collecting and using your data for profit. But you have options. Whether you choose to delete the app or change your settings so that an app has less access to you, there are steps you can take to retain your privacy and security.
