Android users, like all smartphone users, are concerned about their safety these days and making sure their data isn’t at risk.
There are lots of precautions one can take to protect their data, whether it’s changing their passwords, avoiding suspicious links, etc. However, not everyone thinks about checking their Android’s app permissions, which can make a big difference as to just how much access they have to your personal data, like your location. Read more about Android app permissions you should revoke to protect your data below.
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1. Flashlight & Utility Apps
These two apps are examples of what people call 'third-party' apps, as they tend to be someone else's rendition of an app that you likely already have on your Android or don't need. These can be extra flashlight apps, 'cleaning' apps, etc., and can be more risky than you think.
"They are notorious for being privacy nightmares," explains cybersecurity pro Ed Burnett. "Since modern phones have these features built in, third-party versions often exist solely to gather data, requesting permissions for your location and contacts that have nothing to do with their function."
2. Facebook
These days, Facebook is a common preinstalled app on Androids, and as popular as it might be, its umbrella company, Meta, is known for putting its users' safety and information at risk. Though you might not have thought to do so, tech pros encourage you to check on the app's permissions, limiting access to your microphone, constant location, etc.
"Facebook needs location data to enable features like 'nearby friends' and marketplace listings that are more relevant and doable for you," says Steven Athwal. "It gets this data from your background activity, using Wi-Fi signals and device data. As Facebook operates within a wider ecosystem of apps, it shares location insights across the platforms."
3. Snapchat
Another one of today's most popular Android and iPhone apps is Snapchat, which is an entirely different beast from what it used to be. It now has the Snap Map and other features, which end up using up more of your personal data, especially if it's given permission to do so.
"Snapchat is built for needing your location, with some of its most popular features being 'Snap Map' and geofilters," adds Athwal. "Snapchat gathers your location information via your IP address and network signals, using this to target adverts and promote local stories. If you want to turn off location tracking for Snapchat, you need to do it at the device level, not by turning on Ghost Mode."
