You might be surprised by the number of apps that gather detailed personal data. This includes some of the top apps from the App Store and Google Play Store. As a CyberGuy, my primary goal is to educate people about their power to protect themselves, especially their privacy.
AtlasVPN has published a new report identifying the shopping apps that collect the most data about you. eBay came out on top, with their Android app capturing 28 different data points. The top 10 on the list include eBay, Amazon Shopping, Pay later, Lowe’s, iHerb, Vinted, Home Depot, Alibaba, Poshmark, and Nike. All of these apps collect at least 18 data points about you. Some of that information is related to data performance and app activity, but some apps also collect financial and personal data.
Privacy concerns to consider regarding shopping apps
According to the report, 58% of shopping apps on the Google Play Store share users’ personal information with third-party companies. This includes information like your name, email address, phone number, and even your home address. These companies can use your data in any way they like. Additionally, 52% of shopping apps share your device ID with third-party companies, and over a third of the shopping apps analyzed provide users’ financial data to third parties, including purchase history and payment information.
Responses to privacy inquiries
Home Depot responded by stating that they use customer information to improve the customer experience and personalize it. They also have privacy and security controls in place to protect personal information. Amazon also responded, stating that they collect, process, and share personal information only to provide a great shopping experience and do not sell customers’ personal information to others.
7 ways to protect your privacy when using shopping apps
1) Find out what information each app collects before downloading. Check the app’s privacy section in the App Store or Google Play Store.
2) Avoid downloading unreliable apps. If you have any unreliable apps on your phone, delete them immediately to avoid sharing your personal information with third parties.
3) Check app permissions before installing or updating an app. Deny or revoke permissions that are unnecessary or intrusive to your app’s functionality.
4) Use a VPN when browsing or shopping online to encrypt your internet traffic and hide your IP address.
5) Clear your cache and cookies regularly. These files store information about your browsing history, settings, and login details.
6) Use a password manager to create and store strong, unique passwords for each app and website you use.
7) Opt out of personalized ads and data sharing to reduce the amount of data collected and used for ad targeting.
Cart important points
Most apps we use today collect data about us in some way. It’s crucial to understand what information you’re handing over and how to protect your privacy, especially since 75% of shopping apps share your information with third parties.
Source: nypost.com
