In this day and age, your data is out in the world and there’s little you can do about it — instead of being troubled by that thought, it’s a better idea to feel empowered to make a change. Any step we can take that minimizes how much of our info is out there is valuable. Retaining as much of your personal data as possible is key to keeping your private life a little more private. This means paying close attention to the apps that you download and knowing which are the biggest offenders when it comes to collecting and using your data.
If you’re looking for a little privacy (and who isn’t?), deleting these three data-tracking apps can help.
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1. Facebook
Facebook collects a lot of data on its users, both directly and indirectly. It knows what you like and don’t like, how you’re commenting and interacting with various posts, your device and browser data, location, the sites you’re visiting when you aren’t even on Facebook, and much more.
2. TikTok
TikTok collects your account information, the content you generate and share, behavioral data like how long you watch videos and what you scroll past, your search history, your IP address, keyboard patterns and typing (which is creepy), location data, and more. You can reduce what it collects by limiting its permissions, such as not allowing it access to your microphone, but you can only keep it from collecting data by deleting the app.
3. Google Maps
In addition to collecting your search and navigation history, Google Maps collects your location data, device data, and personal data like your home, work, and favorites. You can change your privacy settings and limit its collection somewhat, but in case Google Maps is your preferred navigation app, a better idea might be to delete existing data as you go.
