Beware of Android users! These applications could look at you … Many people use Android every day to work, study, buy online or just entertain. However, a recent survey has increased concern because many popular applications require excessive authorizations that could risk your privacy.
According to a study carried out by which? In collaboration with the Hexiosec cybersecurity brand, 20 applications used in Android have been analyzed – from social media to commercial platforms and intelligent original devices. They discovered that everyone asked for access to sensitive functions of the mobile phone, even when they were not necessary for the operation of applications. We must always be careful when you use applications, so find out more about what is happening with these Android applications.
Android and the price of your salary for free ” applications’ ”
Although most applications are free, experts confirm that users end up paying with their personal data. It is a more common business model: they offer free services in exchange for having information on your location, your contacts, your consumption habits and even your microphone!
Harry Rose, which one? Publisher, explain it very clearly: “The millions of us use these applications every day, from shopping to exercise. Although they seem to be free, we actually pay with our data, and sometimes with worrying amounts. ”
Android applications with the most suspicious authorizations
In the study, some of the results were very worrying. It was found that:
- Xiaomi Home was the application with the most requested authorizations: 91 in total, including access to the microphone, location, contacts and files.
- Samsung SmartThings was the next with 82 authorizations.
- Facebook appeared with 69 authorizations.
- WhatsApp had 66 authorizations.
I mean, some of the authorizations have a meaning, for example WhatsApp, it needs access to the microphone to make calls or send a voice message. However, the quantity of unnecessary authorizations makes us think about the true scope of digital surveillance on Android devices.
Controversial cases: Tiktok, Temu and more …
- Tiktok stood out because the application requested authorization to save audio files and access. The company replied that security is integrated into each product and that they simply collect what is necessary, but, of course, many users do not trust this application now.
- TEMU also drew attention because it required an exact location. According to the company, they do so to facilitate the introduction of addresses via GPS. However, experts doubt that this is really essential.
- Amazon defended authorizations as the use of the camera has a practical reason behind it: the digitization of products.
- Meta, owner of Whatsapp, Facebook and Instagram, explained any of its applications that use the microphone in the background without user participation.
Do you know the most disturbing thing? 16 out of 20 applications tested have tried to display contextual windows on other applications, even when the notifications have been disabled. This suggests aggressive tactics for surveillance and advertising.
How can you protect your privacy on Android?
Android ecosystem is one of the most used in the world, making it an attractive target for companies looking for data collection. But don’t worry because there are certain things you can do to protect yourself:
- Check the authorizations: Before installing an application, check which telephone functions to which he wishes to access. If it doesn’t make sense, you would better download it.
- Define the authorizations manually: in the Android adjustment section, you can limit access such as location, camera or microphone.
- Disable Background access: Many applications continue to work even if you do not use them, so check who have permanent access and deactivate everything you don’t need.
- Download official apps: Download them to Google Play Store and avoid risks.
- Keep your Android up to date: new software versions use to include security and data protection improvements.
As you can see, there is more than just downloading an application, you can risk your confidentiality and your data if you do not check what you accept.
