This new research has revealed that the Android Apps from companies like Yelp and Duolingo are sending your data directly to Facebook that can be used to identify you even if you are not logged in. This is quite scary that Facebook is all the time looking at you in a sense even if your account is not active. — Privacy International (@privacyint) March 5, 2019
Apps that Share your Personal Data
According to Report, Muslim prayer apps, Bible apps and Job App Called Indeed also send data to Facebook that can be helpful for users to identify users for ad targeting purpose. Right now it’s not clear that what kind of data is being sent; however according to report, this data may reveal custom identifiers that help Facebook track users across its network. Keep in mind: these are apps with millions of installs.
Why is this a problem?
This is problematic because it is not only compromising your privacy but also harming you in a way. The data that apps send to Facebook typically includes information such as the fact that a specific app, such as a Muslim prayer app, was opened or closed. It sounds fine, but it is not. As the data is sent with a unique identifier, a user’s Google advertising ID. Now it would be easier to link this data into a profile and make the overall picture of someone’s interests, identities, and daily routines.
How can you protect yourself?
As third-party apps are tracking you, it causes unique privacy issues. As there is no operating system including Android and iOS that allows you to opt out of third-party apps, you are vulnerable to exploitative data practices. SO take these steps to reduce app tracking on Android:
Reset your advertising ID regularly Limit ad personalization by opting out of ad personalization in the Android settings The addition of a phone-based firewall, like AFWall+ or NetGuard, can also limit connections to addresses such as graph.facebook.com
In order to view the full report and see which other apps are tracking you, click here.
