In the News
Apple is cracking down on data-collection. In Facebook violates Apple’s data-gathering rules, pulls VPN from App Store from Ars Technica, Valentina Palladino discusses an app removed from the Apple store because it did not follow Apple’s data-collection rules. The removed app, Facebook’s Onaro Protect app, which helped to keep user data private, from the App Store because the app also allowed hits parent company Facebook to obtain information regarding its user’s online habits.
Our Take
The thought of a company collection-data from your phone at all times is concerning. We want to keep certain things private and if things are going to be shared, we want to explicitly say that it is okay. The benefit of Apple being so strict about data-collection is that apps like Onaro are now getting removed. However, not all apps like this are caught and other platforms besides the App Store may have different data-collection policies. On your end, reading contracts and terms & conditions before agreeing if very important because hidden in all those words might be a clause allowing data-collection.
Recommendations
So how can you protect yourself from apps that collect your data?
- Research apps and their policies before downloading or purchasing them
- Understand the risks sharing personal information both consensually and without your knowledge
- Understand the legal rights and practices of companies that store your data
- Stay up to date on news regarding data-collection to see if you may have been affected