When something is free, you’re often the product. Online services, especially popular apps, frequently collect your personal data to serve targeted ads. For instance, Google generates revenue by gathering data on its users and selling this information to advertisers. This is why you might see ads on Facebook for a product you searched for on Google.
This pattern holds true across various platforms like Instagram, Threads, and LinkedIn. Research indicates that the apps collecting extensive data are often the most widely used.
Let’s explore the top 20 apps that harvest your data and provide tips on how to manage your personal information.
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A man scrolling through his apps on his phone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
The Most Invasive Apps You’re Likely Using
While apps need data to function, the concern lies in unnecessary data collection to serve ads or sell information to third parties. According to experts at Nsoft, the top 20 most invasive apps collect data beyond their core functionalities.
Leading this list is Meta, with its suite of apps including Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, and Threads, sharing 68% of collected data with third parties. LinkedIn follows, sharing about 37% of user data, followed closely by Amazon and YouTube.
The ubiquity of these applications makes avoiding data collection challenging. However, understanding the prevalence of data harvesting can empower users to take control.
Surprisingly, relational apps like Uber Eats, PayPal, and even mobile games such as Candy Crush make the list, with Candy Crush using 28% of collected data for ads. Here’s a detailed chart of the top 20 most invasive apps.
The top 20 most invasive applications (Nsoft)
THE HIDDEN COSTS OF FREE APPS: YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION
Alternatives to Invasive Apps
To limit data collection, consider switching to apps that prioritize privacy:
- Messaging: Signal offers strong privacy compared to WhatsApp. It avoids storing metadata or sharing information with third parties.
- Search Engines: Explore search engines that respect privacy, such as DuckDuckGo or Startpage, instead of Google.
- Social Media: Consider platforms like Mastodon or Bluesky, which offer decentralized alternatives to Twitter.
- Vid Streaming: Try PeerTube or Nebula instead of YouTube for video streaming options that prioritize privacy.
- Online Shopping: Shop with smaller retailers or directly from brand websites that may track less data.
- Cloud Storage: Use cloud storage solutions like Nextcloud or Tresorit, which offer strong encryption for secure file storage.
While switching requires effort, these alternatives can significantly reduce data collection.
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