There’s an age-old expression – the eyes are the window to the soul. It’s a poetic notion, but perhaps in need of a modern update. In today’s hyper-connected world, our phones reveal our deepest selves. These days our smartphones store everything, from private messages and photos to browsing history and financial information. And that, when you think about it, is pretty unnerving.
We all know that our data is monitored and analyzed by pretty much every app we use. It’s no longer an irrational paranoia, it’s a fact of modern life. Most of us don’t think about it. Those that do don’t dwell on it for long. Our smartphones are too convenient, too entertaining, too important. It’s easier to put the anxiety out of mind and continue with our lives.
But vulnerability should not be the cost of convenience.
So what are we to do? The best thing we can do is arm ourselves with information. This article explains how mobile apps collect and use our data and provides security tips to keep your information from being used against you.
The purpose of data collection
Before we get into the scary stuff, it’s worth remembering that data collection serves a purpose, and that purpose isn’t necessarily nefarious. App developers use gathered information to personalize features, making our favorite apps more intuitive and enjoyable. Data analysis can even play a role in safety. Some apps can detect unusual activity and alert users to a hack.
Some apps leverage data-collecting technology with this kind of safety monitoring in mind. Lora Pance of Tech Report has listed a few excellent ones. Using these apps to monitor phone usage can help identify and address instances of cyberbullying, a sadly worsening problem in 2024.
All of this is to say, data collection isn’t inherently negative. In an ideal world, it’s a way to make our apps safer, more useful, and more entertaining. But we don’t live in an ideal world, and the devil is in the details, so here is the rest of what you need to know.
How apps gather information
Everyone knows In-app purchases and browsing behavior reveal your interests and spending patterns. Equally, nobody would be surprised to learn that Social media apps analyze your social circles and interactions. But beyond these obvious data mining methods, there are covert collection practices at play.
Modern apps cast a broad net of techniques to fish for your information, using every available function of your smartphone. Many apps piggyback off of permissions necessary for apps to function, making this kind of data collection hard to avoid. Location services, for instance, are a seemingly innocuous feature for things like GPS maps. But granting permission for your apps to use location services allows your movements to be tracked throughout the day, building a detailed picture of your routines. Another example is accelerometer data, used for fitness trackers. This can reveal your activity levels and sleep patterns. Most troubling of all, microphone access, commonly granted for voice assistants, can capture our private conversations.
By gathering information from a spectrum of sources, apps in the business of information can paint a comprehensive picture of who you are, what you do, and what you think.
How our data is used
The data collected by apps is fed into complex algorithms that analyze and predict our behavior. These predictions inform what information and advertisements our apps would most like us to see. In essence, the data we surrender shapes the very apps we use, creating a personalized yet potentially manipulated experience. On social media platforms, for instance, our data is used to deliver content most likely to keep us engaged. While this guarantees we see content relevant to our beliefs and interests, it also potentially creates echo chambers by limiting our exposure to diverse viewpoints. E-commerce apps track and use our data for targeted advertising that exploits our desires and vulnerabilities. Our data can even be used to personalize pricing for goods and services. For example, a ride-hailing app might charge a higher fare for users known to have more disposable income.
What you can do
There are concrete actions you can take to safeguard your privacy. The first step is scrutinizing app permissions. Don’t blindly hit “allow” without understanding the potential consequences. Consider how these permissions could be used and only allow access when absolutely necessary for the app to function. You can even go a step further by turning off permissions for apps you’re not using.
Privacy policies are often deliberately lengthy and complicated. Nevertheless, reading them is worthwhile. Take the time to understand an app’s data practices before hitting install. Better still, if the app allows, adjust the settings to minimize data collection. Be wary of apps that don’t offer any control over data collection settings—this could be a red flag.
Finally, stay updated, in both senses of the word. Keep your apps and operating system up to date with the latest security to minimize vulnerabilities. Equally, stay informed yourself. Privacy laws and the technology used to collect data are constantly evolving. An informed population is better positioned to advocate for stronger data privacy laws and hold companies accountable for data misuse.
It’s also worth remembering that data collection isn’t ubiquitous. Some platforms, like crypto betting sites, offer a degree of anonymity. The anonymous nature of digital currency makes it a useful tool for private financial transactions.
Conclusion
The issue of data privacy is complex and constantly evolving. As technology advances, so too will the methods of data collection and use. That’s why it’s so crucial to stay informed. By understanding how our data is collected and used, we can take back control of our digital footprint and ensure that convenience doesn’t come at the expense of our privacy.
