Watch out Android users! These apps could be watching you… Many people use Android every day for working, studying, buying online, or just entertainmenting. However, a recent investigation has increased the concern because many popular apps are requiring excessive permissions that could risk your privacy.
According to a study made by Which? in collaboration with the cybersecurity brand Hexiosec, 20 apps used a lot in Android were analyzed – from social media to shopping platforms and intelligent home devices. They found out all of them asked for access to sensitive functions of the mobile phone, even when they weren’t necessary for the apps’ functioning. We should always be careful when using apps, so let’s find out more about what’s going on with these Android apps.
Android and the price your pay for ‘’free’’ apps
Although most of the apps are said to be free, experts confirm users end up paying with their personal data. This is a business model that’s getting more common: they offer free services in exchange for having information about your location, contacts, consuming habits, and even your microphone!
Harry Rose, Which? editor, explain it very clearly: ‘’Millions of us use these apps every day, from shopping to doing exercise. Although they seem to be free, actually we are paying with our data, and sometimes with worrying amounts.’’
Android apps with the most suspicious permissions
In the study, some of the results were very worrying. It was found that:
- Xiaomi Home was the app with the most permissions requested: 91 in total, including access to microphone, location, contacts, and files.
- Samsung SmartThings was next with 82 permissions.
- Facebook showed up with 69 permissions.
- WhatsApp had 66 permissions.
I mean, some of the permissions make sense, for example WhatsApp needs access to the microphone to make calls or send a voice message. However, the amount of unnecessary permissions makes us think about the true scope of digital surveillance on Android devices.
Controversial cases: TikTok, Temu, and more…
- TikTok stood out because the app asked for permission to record audio and access files. The company responded that security is integrated in every product and they just collect what’s necessary, but, of course, many users don’t trust this app much now.
- Temu also caught the attention because it required an exact location. According to the company, they do this to make the introduction of addresses through GPS much easier. However, experts doubt this is really essential.
- Amazon defended permissions like the use of the camera has a practical reason behind it: scanning products.
- Meta, owner of WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram, explained none of its apps use the microphone in the background without users participation.
Do you know the most troubling thing? 16 out of 20 apps tested attempted to display pop-up windows over other apps, even when notifications were turned off. This suggests aggressive tactics for monitoring and advertising.
How can you protect your privacy on Android?
The Android ecosystem is one of the most used in the world, which makes it an attractive target for companies that look for collecting data. But, don’t worry because there are some things you can do to protect yourself:
- Check permissions: before installing any app, verify which functions of the phone it wants access to. If it makes no sense, you’d better not download it.
- Set permissions manually: in the setting section of Android you can limit access like location, camera or microphone.
- Deactivate background access: many apps keep functioning even though you are not using them, so check which have permanent access and deactivate whatever you don’t need.
- Download official apps: Download them from Google Play Store and avoid risks.
- Keep your Android updated: new software versions use to include security and data protection improvements.
As you can see, there’s more than just uploading an app, you can be risking your privacy and data if you don’t check what you are accepting.