Various smartphone apps have become an important part of our daily life. However, in addition to providing necessary services, many apps secretly collect various types of personal information of users. Sometimes the amount of data collected is more than the user imagines. And so, apart from knowing which apps can secretly collect information, there are several strategies to avoid surveillance.

Also Read

80 percent of world’s data centers at climate risk

Bank account can be empty in trap of this app, be careful how

The most popular South Korean content on Netflix after the US

1. Verify permissions collected by the app

The apps on the smartphone have permission to use any information or facilities at the time of installation, must be verified first. Let’s say, if a flashlight app wants access to the user’s location, microphone, camera or contact list, then it’s suspicious. Because, these devices are not required to work with the app.

2. Review permission to use location information

Many apps want to use the user’s location information even if they don’t need it. And so you have to enter the phone settings to see which apps have permission to use location at all times. If not required, turn off the ‘Always Allow’ option and select ‘While Using the App’. This will reduce the risk of unnecessary data collection.

3. Review permission to use microphone and camera

Many apps take permission to use the smartphone’s microphone and camera without requiring it. But later it is no longer needed. Therefore, the permission to use the microphone and camera of the apps on the phone should be reviewed regularly. Apps that don’t need to use the microphone and camera should be disallowed.

4. Using the Privacy Dashboard

Android’s privacy dashboard and iPhone’s privacy settings show which apps have recently used a user’s location, camera, microphone, or contact list. The privacy dashboard should be used regularly to prevent surreptitious surveillance of apps on the smartphone.

5. Delete unused apps

Many times, even if not used for a long time, various apps remain on the phone. These apps may collect certain information using previously granted permissions. Therefore, regularly deleting apps that are no longer needed can increase the security of personal information and reduce the risk of unnecessary surveillance.