Your favourite apps may be tracking you: Here is how to stay safe
Follow UsFBI warns that some popular mobile apps could pose risks to users’ personal data.
Many foreign-developed apps may collect personal information such as contacts, emails, phone numbers and more.
Users are advised limiting app permissions and downloading only from trusted stores.
Many of us install mobile apps without paying much attention to the permissions they request. However, a recent alert from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) warns that some apps could pose risks to users’ personal data. The agency has raised concerns about foreign-developed apps and the amount of information they may collect from smartphones.
SurveyAccording to the FBI, many of the most downloaded and highest-grossing apps are developed by companies outside the US. Some of these companies are based in China. The agency explains that companies operating in China must comply with national security laws that could require them to provide access to data collected through their platforms.
The agency emphasises that the advisory highlights ‘data security risks associated with foreign-developed mobile applications (apps) frequently used in the United States; however, these concerns are global.’
Data security risks
When users download an app, they are usually asked to allow certain permissions. If approved, these permissions can enable the app to continuously collect information from the device, sometimes even when the app is not actively being used.
The FBI notes that some apps may gather personal details such as names, email addresses, phone numbers, physical addresses and user IDs. Many platforms also allow users to invite friends or contacts to join the app. When permission to access contacts is given, developers may collect information from the user’s address book as well. This means personal details of people who are saved in the contact list may also be exposed, even if they do not use the app.
The agency also points out that some apps store collected information on servers located in China and may retain it for as long as the developers consider necessary. In some cases, apps could also include malware that can collect data beyond what is authorised by the user.
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How to protect your data
Users are advised to take the following precautions:
- Disable permissions or data sharing that an app does not require.
- Download apps only from official and trusted app stores.
- Change and update passwords regularly.
- Keep device software updated to the latest version.
- Read terms of service or end user license agreement before installing downloading apps.
