If something is free, the product is for sale. This is especially true of most of the internet services we use. For example, Google’s main source Revenues are ads. They make money by collecting information about you and me and selling targeted advertising to companies, which then shows us products relevant to our interests.
You may have noticed that the moment you are looking for a product on Google, you started seeing ads for him on Facebook. The same refers to applications like Instagram, Threads and LinkedIn. In fact, research shows that the applications that collect the most information about you are also among the most commonly used.
Let’s look at the top 20 and investigate how you can take control of your personal data.
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A man moving through his apps on his phone (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
The most important apps you probably use
Apps collect all kinds of information about you, but we empty one thing. Not all data collection is bad. Some applications truly need access to certain information to function properly. For example, Uber stores the location information to help you find a ride faster, while WhatsApp requires access to your contacts so you can send messages.
The real problem is collecting data that does not serve another purpose except to show you ads or sell your information to third parties. According to Marin Marincic, IT infrastructure leader on CardsThe top 20 most fierce applications collect data that is not required for their basic functions.
What is artificial intelligence (AI)?
The leading list is the target with all four of its Main applications. Facebook, Messenger, Instagram and themes share 68% of collected data with third parties, while using them for target ads. LinkedIn follows, shares about 37% of user data, and Amazon is in third place, followed by YouTube.
What does this about is how deeply embedded these applications are in our daily lives, which is almost impossible to find alternatives or to completely avoid gathering data.
The list also includes Elona Male X at no. 5, followed by Uber Eats, Paypal, Uber, Google and Amazon Prime Video. Tiktoc, despite constant supervision in relation to its data policies, is 14th. Although many of these names were expected, one surprising entry is Curdy Closh Mobile Game, which uses 28% of the ads collected data collected. You can find a complete list in the picture below.
Top 20 of the most important apps (NSOFT)
Hidden Costs of Free Apps: Your Personal Data
Searching alternative is the only solution
Avoiding data collection is almost impossible if you use the above applications. The only way to avoid these invasive applications is to switch to app that respect your privacy. Although it may seem impossible to replace some of the largest platforms, there are alternatives that collect little and no unnecessary data.
- For messagesThe signal is one of the best options. Unlike Whatsapp, it does not store metadaths or share information with third parties. If you need a search engine that doesn’t follow your activity, Check these options instead of Google.
- When it comes to social mediaMastodon and Bluesky Nude decentralized Alternative Twitter.
- For those who want to replace YouTubePeertube and Nebula are worth exploring.
- If you often buy on AmazonConsider smaller internet merchants or direct brands websites that are less likely to keep track of your every move.
- Instead of Google Driveconsider These solutions who offer storage in a cloud with strong encryption.
The transition to these alternatives may require a certain effort, but this is the best way to limit yourself how much your personal information is collected. Taking control over privacy begins to bring conscious choices on the applications you use.
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Apps on your Android phone screen (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
How to get rid of a robotal with app and data removal services
5 ways to reduce data division
If you are unable to delete the above applications, follow simple steps below to reduce how much information is collected and shared.
1. Review the application licenses: Most applications require access to data that they don’t really need. Go to the phone settings and check the application licenses on your iPhone and Android. Disable access to location, microphone, contacts and other sensitive data, unless absolutely necessary.
2. Turn off the personalization of the ad: Many companies follow your online activity to show targeted ads. You can limit this by disabling the personalization of ads in Google,, Facebookand other accounts. This reduces the amount of data collected about your interests and behavior.
3. Limit the monitoring of social media: Social media platforms follow your activity even when you are not using them. Adjust your privacy settings Limit data collection.
4. Avoid logging with Google or Facebook: Many websites offer logging options using Google or Facebook. Although appropriate, it shares even more information with these platforms. Instead, create separate accounts using E -šte whenever possible.
5. Use a virtual private network (VPN) and a private review mode: AND Vpn It hides your IP address, helping to conceal your location and internet activities, making it difficult to follow you. In combination with a private way of reviewing or incognito ways, it reduces the amount of data that companies can collect about your online activity. The use of VPN services can also improve your privacy by encrypting internet traffic, making it difficult for hackers and third parties to intercept your information, especially on public Wi-Fi.
Although VPN -and directly do not prevent thefts of E -Poruke, they reduce the exposure to your habits of browsing trackers that can use this information maliciously. With VPN, you can safely access the E -osta accounts from anywhere, even in areas with restrictive internet rules. For Best VPN Software, See My Expert for Reviewing the Best VPN -OV for private internet review on your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices
6. Regular cleaning apps: Uninstall applications No longer use to reduce passive data collection.
How to remove your private information from the Internet
Proposals specific to the protection of your digital print
Protect your personal information on the aforementioned popular platforms with these basic privacy adjustments.
Facebook/Instagram/Topic:
- Disable Acquiring Activities by Departure to Settings> Privacy> Activity Tracking.
- Turn off “Apps, Websites and Games” To limit the division of third -party data.
LinkedIn:
- To turn off the aiming of ads in Settings> Advertising Settings.
- Disable History of viewing profile.
Amazon/Prime video:
- Check -out personalized ads in your account settings.
- Limit the division by disabling the storage of Alex’s voice data (if applicable).
YouTube/Google Products (eg Gmail, Google Maps):
- Disable Advertising Personalization under Google Account> Data and Personalization> Adverts Settings.
- Turn off the history history and monitor the web/app activity.
Uber/Uber eats:
- Use the app Only when necessary, And avoid storage of payment methods if possible.
- Disable monitoring After the ride/delivery is completed.
PayPal:
- Limit the division of the floor Settings> Privacy and Safety Giving up dividing data for marketing purposes.
Snapchat:
- Disable Location Divide via Snap Map and Exclude Personalization of Ads Under Advertisements.
TICTOK:
- Limit personalized content recommendations in Privacy> Personalization and data.
- Avoid posting unnecessary personal data.
Spotify:
- Adjust data division settings in Account Settings> Privacy Settings.
- Get out of custom ads.
Roblox:
- Set strict privacy controls In account settings, especially for children.
- Use a hammer, E -stio for one -time use to register the account.
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Kurt’s key step
The best way to reduce companies from collecting data is to remove invasive applications from your phone. Many applications require unnecessary licenses that can monitor your activity, so deletion is limited by exposure. Instead of downloading independent applications, try to use versions of the browser of the popular social media platforms because they usually have fewer permits.
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However, the web tracking still exists through cookies and fingerprints so you use a browser aimed at privacy Like brave, Firefox with improved monitoring protection or safari with intelligent monitoring prevention (ITP) can further reduce data collection. However, some applications are so deeply integrated that their replacement is difficult. For example, if you use an Android phone, avoiding Google ecosystem is almost impossible. Apple, on the other hand, offers more privacy controls, providing users better options to limit data collection.
Do you check the application permissions before installing? How do you decide what permissions are acceptable? Let us know by writing us on Cyberguy.com/contact
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