Top 20 apps tracking you every day
In today’s digital age, it’s no secret that many of the online services we use are free because we are the product being sold. Companies like Google, Facebook, and Amazon make their money by collecting data about us and selling targeted advertising to companies. This means that the more information they have about us, the more money they can make.
Research has shown that the most widely used apps are also the ones that collect the most data about us. The top 20 most invasive apps include Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Amazon, and YouTube. These apps collect data that is not necessary for their core functions, which raises concerns about privacy and data security.
While it may seem impossible to avoid using these apps completely, there are alternatives that respect your privacy and collect less unnecessary data. Apps like Signal for messaging, Mastodon and Bluesky for social media, PeerTube and Nebula for video streaming, and smaller online retailers for shopping offer options that prioritize privacy.
If you’re unable to completely switch to alternative apps, there are steps you can take to reduce the amount of data being collected and shared. Review app permissions, turn off ad personalization, limit social media tracking, avoid signing in with Google or Facebook, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) and private browsing mode, and regularly clean up apps you no longer use.
In addition, there are app-specific suggestions to safeguard your personal information on popular platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, Amazon, YouTube, Uber, PayPal, Snapchat, TikTok, Spotify, and Roblox. By adjusting privacy settings and limiting data sharing, you can take control of your personal information and protect your digital footprint.
Ultimately, the best way to reduce data collection is to be mindful of the permissions you grant to apps and to delete invasive apps from your phone whenever possible. Using privacy-focused browsers and taking advantage of the privacy controls offered by companies like Apple can also help limit data collection. By making conscious choices about the apps you use and taking steps to protect your privacy, you can regain control over your personal information in the digital world.
