??Mobile Application Data Collection and Data Sharing: What You Need to Know ??

Mobile applications have become an integral part of our daily lives. From social media to banking, we use apps for almost everything. However, have you ever wondered what happens to your data when you use these apps? Do you know that many apps collect and share your personal and sensitive data without your knowledge or consent? In this article, we will discuss mobile application data collection and data sharing and how it affects your privacy.

Types of Data Collected by Mobile Applications

Mobile applications collect various types of data from your device. Here are some of the common types of data collected by apps:

1. Personal Information: This includes your name, email address, phone number, and other details that you provide when you sign up for an app.
2. Location Data: Many apps collect your location data to provide services such as maps, weather updates, and local news.
3. Usage Data: This includes information about how you use the app, such as the features you use, the time you spend on the app, and the content you view.
4. Device Information: Apps may collect information about your device, such as the model, operating system, and browser type.
5. Sensitive Data: Some apps collect sensitive data such as your financial information, health data, and biometric data.

Selling of Personal and Sensitive Data by Mobile Applications

Many mobile applications sell your personal and sensitive data to third-party companies for various purposes such as advertising, market research, and data analysis. Some apps even share your data with government agencies without your consent.

The most famous apps are stealing personal and sensitive data and selling it to outside companies. However, this is not just limited to global apps. Local apps in Sri Lanka also collect and sell your data to outside companies. Here are some of the selling models used by mobile applications:

1. Data Brokers: These are companies that buy and sell personal data. Mobile applications sell your data to data brokers who then sell it to other companies.
2. Targeted Advertising: Some apps collect your data to show you targeted ads. They sell your data to companies that want to advertise their products or services to you.
3. Market Research: App developers may sell your data to market research companies to understand consumer behavior.

Research and Statistics

According to a recent study by Pew Research Center, 72% of smartphone users say they are concerned about their data being collected by mobile apps. Another study by Norton LifeLock found that 68% of consumers are unaware that their data is being sold by apps. Additionally, a recent investigation by The Wall Street Journal found that popular apps such as TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook collect and share users' personal and sensitive data with third-party companies.

How to Check Your App's Data Collection Details

You can check what data your apps collect and how they use it in the app details page on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Here's how to do it:

1. Open the Google Play Store or Apple App Store on your device.
2. Search for the app you want to check.
3. Scroll down to the "App Details" section.
4. Click on "Read More" under "Additional Information".
5. Look for the "Privacy Policy" section.
6. Click on "Read More" under "Privacy Policy".
7. Read the app's privacy policy to understand what data it collects and how it uses it.

So, what can you do to protect your data? Here are a few tips:

1. Check the app's privacy policy: Before downloading any app, check its privacy policy to see what data they collect and how they use it.
2. Adjust your privacy settings: Many apps give you the option to adjust your privacy settings. Use these settings to limit the amount of data they collect from you.
3. Use a VPN: Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) can help you protect your data by encrypting your internet connection and hiding your IP address.
4. Use a secure browser: Use a secure browser like Brave or DuckDuckGo that blocks trackers and ads, which can help protect your data from being collected.
5. Be cautious of public Wi-Fi: Avoid using public Wi-Fi to access sensitive information, as it may not be secure.

In conclusion, mobile application data collection and sharing are widespread practices that affect us all. It's essential to be aware of the data that apps collect and how they use it. By taking a few simple steps, you can protect your data and maintain your privacy in the digital world.

So, the next time you're using a mobile app, take a moment to think about what data you're sharing, and whether it's worth it. Remember, your data is valuable, and it's up to you to protect it.

We hope this article has made you more aware of the data collection and sharing practices of mobile apps. Share this article with your friends and family to.

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