You may be surprised at the number of apps that collect detailed personal data. This includes some of the top apps from the App Store and Google Play Store. As a CyberGuy, what I want to do most is make a difference by providing the information we need to protect ourselves, especially our privacy.
AtlasVPN has released a new report listing the shopping apps that collect the most data about you. Topping the charts was eBay. According to AtlasVPN, eBay’s Android app captures 28 data points. The top 10 are:
- eBay
- amazon shopping
- deferred payment
- lowe’s
- iherb
- Vinted
- home depot
- alibaba.com
- poshmark
- Nike
All of these apps collect at least 18 data points about you. Some of that information is data performance and app activity that is useful to developers, 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 Google Play Store share personal information with third-party companies. That’s information like your name, email address, phone number, and even your home address. Those companies are not affiliated with the app and can use your data in any way they like.
52% of shopping apps share their device ID with third-party companies
And even more shockingly, 52% of shopping apps share your device ID with third-party companies. A device ID is a specific code used to identify every phone or tablet in the world. That means more than half of the top shopping apps on the Google Play Store are tracking your exact device.
More than a third of the shopping apps analyzed provided users’ financial data to third parties. This includes purchase history and payment information.
Read more: 11 things to add to your online privacy checklist as soon as possible
Responses to privacy inquiries
We reached out to all 10 of these shopping apps and here are the companies that received responses as of deadline:
Home Depot said through a spokesperson:
“We respect your privacy and we respect your right to information and privacy. We use the information provided by our customers in innovative ways to improve the customer experience. and personalize, process customer information and keep things running smoothly.”
A Home Depot spokesperson also said the company has a privacy and security statement available online and through its app. You can find it here.
Home Depot also has controls in place to help protect your personal information. These controls include limiting the information that is shared. In addition, Home Depot customers can block the submission of personal information in all 50 states and U.S. territories from users who have opted out of having their information shared for targeted advertising.
Amazon also responded to our request, with a spokesperson saying:
We collect, process and share your personal information to provide you with a great shopping experience and only use it as described in our Privacy Notice. We do not intend to sell our customers’ personal information to others. ”
More info: Don’t download AI apps before reading this
7 ways to protect your privacy when using shopping apps
1) Find out what information each app collects before downloading. In the App Store, click on the app and click App privacy Select a section and click view the details. Android users find the app in the Google Play Store, click on it, and select it. Data safety. For Amazon, we recommend changing these six important Amazon privacy settings now.
2) Avoid downloading unreliable apps such as: I certainly have no intention of sharing any data with TEMU. If you have such apps on your phone for any reason, delete them immediately. We may collect and share personal information with other third parties, which may put your confidential information at risk. If you have ever used a credit card, you can monitor your bank account and even freeze or cancel your credit card.
3) Check app permissions before installing or updating the app. Some apps may request access to your camera, microphone, location, contacts, and other sensitive data. If you believe these permissions are unnecessary or intrusive to your app’s functionality, you can choose to deny or revoke them.
4) Use a VPN When you browse or shop online. A VPN (virtual private network) encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address, making it difficult for third-party companies to track your online activities and collect your data. There are many VPN services available, some of which are free or offer trial periods. You can also use a VPN app on your mobile device for added security.
My best recommendation is ExpressVPN. It’s quick and easy to set up, available in 105 countries, and doesn’t log your IP address, browsing history, traffic destination or metadata, or DNS queries.
What you can get now is Get 3 more months free with a 12-month ExpressVPN plan. For just $6.67 per month, you save 49%. Try it risk-free for 30 days.
Check out my expert reviews of the best VPNs to browse the web privately. On Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.
Best VPNs to browse the web privately 2023
5) Clear your cache and cookies regularly. Caches and cookies are files that store information about your browsing history, settings, and login details. It can also be used by advertisers and trackers to monitor online behavior and target advertising. You can clear your cache and cookies from your browser settings, or use a private browsing mode that doesn’t save them.
6) Use a password manager Create and save strong, unique passwords for each app and website you use. Password managers are applications that generate and store complex passwords so you don’t have to remember them or use the same passwords for multiple accounts. This prevents hackers from accessing your account and stealing your data. Some password managers also offer features like autofill, password sharing, and two-factor authentication.
7) Opt out of personalized ads and data sharing. Some apps and websites may offer you the option to opt out of personalized advertising or data sharing with third-party companies. This reduces the amount of data collected and used for ad targeting. These options are usually found in the app or website’s settings, privacy policy, or terms of service.
Cart important points
Most apps we use today collect data about us in some way. So you owe it to yourself to know what information you’re handing over and how you can protect your privacy, especially since 75% of shopping apps share information with third parties.
How do you protect your information when shopping online? Are there any apps you’ve stopped using because you feel they provide too much information? Let us know in the comments below.
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