Happy New Year 2025

Tag: tracking

  • Top 20 apps tracking you every day

    Top 20 apps tracking you every day

    If something is free, you’re the product being sold. This is especially true for most online services we use. For example, Google’s primary source of revenue is ads. They make money by collecting data about you and me and selling targeted advertising to companies, which then show us products relevant to our interests.

    You might have noticed that the moment you search for a product on Google, you start seeing ads for it on Facebook. The same applies to apps like Instagram, Threads and LinkedIn. In fact, research shows that the apps collecting the most data about you are also among the most widely used. 

    Let’s look at the top 20 of them and explore how you can take control of your personal information.

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    A man scrolling through his apps on his phone   (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    The most invasive apps you’re probably using

    Apps collect all sorts of data about you, but let’s get one thing straight. Not all data collection is bad. Some apps genuinely need access to certain information to function properly. For example, Uber stores your location data to help you find a ride faster, while WhatsApp requires access to your contacts so you can send messages.

    The real issue is data collection that serves no purpose other than showing you ads or selling your information to third parties. According to Marin Marinčić, head of IT Infrastructure at Nsoft, the top 20 most invasive apps collect data that is not necessary for their core functions.

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    Leading the list is Meta with all four of its major apps. Facebook, Messenger, Instagram and Threads share 68% of collected data with third parties while also using it for targeted ads. LinkedIn follows, sharing around 37% of user data, with Amazon in third place, followed by YouTube.

    What makes this concerning is how deeply embedded these apps are in our daily lives, making it nearly impossible to find alternatives or avoid data collection altogether.

    The list also includes Elon Musk’s X at No. 5, followed by Uber Eats, PayPal, Uber, Google and Amazon Prime Video. TikTok, despite ongoing scrutiny over its data policies, ranks 14th. While many of these names were expected, one surprising entry is the mobile game Candy Crush, which uses 28% of collected data for ads. You can find the full list in the image below.

    invasive apps

    The top 20 most invasive applications (Nsoft)

    THE HIDDEN COSTS OF FREE APPS: YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION

    Looking for alternatives is the only solution

    Avoiding data collection is nearly impossible if you use the apps above. The only way to dodge these invasive apps is to switch to apps that respect your privacy. While it may seem impossible to replace some of the biggest platforms, there are alternatives that collect little to no unnecessary data.

    • For messaging, Signal is one of the best options. Unlike WhatsApp, it does not store metadata or share information with third parties. If you need a search engine that does not track your activity, check out these options instead of Google.
    • When it comes to social media, Mastodon and Bluesky offer decentralized alternatives to Twitter.
    • For those looking to replace YouTube, PeerTube and Nebula are worth exploring.
    • If you shop frequently on Amazon, consider smaller online retailers or direct brand websites that may be less likely to track your every move.
    • Instead of Google Drive, consider these solutions which offer cloud storage with strong encryption.

    Switching to these alternatives may require some effort, but it is the best way to limit how much of your personal data is being collected. Taking control of your privacy starts with making conscious choices about the apps you use.

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    apps on screen

    Apps on the home screen of an Android phone    (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    HOW TO GET RID OF ROBOCALLS WITH APPS AND DATA REMOVAL SERVICES

    5 ways to reduce data sharing

    If you’re not able to delete the apps listed above, follow the simple steps below to minimize how much information is being collected and shared.

    1. Review app permissions: Most apps request access to data they do not actually need. Go to your phone settings and check app permissions on your iPhone and Android. Disable access to location, microphone, contacts and other sensitive data unless absolutely necessary.

    2. Turn off ad personalization: Many companies track your online activity to show targeted ads. You can limit this by disabling ad personalization in Google, Facebook, and other accounts. This reduces the amount of data collected about your interests and behavior.

    3. Limit social media tracking: Social media platforms track your activity even when you are not using them. Adjust privacy settings to restrict data collection.

    4. Avoid signing in with Google or Facebook: Many websites offer login options using Google or Facebook. While convenient, this shares even more data with these platforms. Instead, create separate accounts using email whenever possible.

    5. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) and private browsing mode: A VPN hides your IP address, helping to obscure your location and online activity, making it harder for websites to track you. Combined with private browsing or incognito mode, this reduces the amount of data companies can collect about your online activity. Using a VPN service can also enhance your privacy by encrypting your internet traffic, making it harder for hackers and third parties to intercept your data, especially on public Wi-Fi. 

    While VPNs don’t directly prevent phishing emails, they reduce the exposure of your browsing habits to trackers that may use this data maliciously. With a VPN, you can securely access your email accounts from anywhere, even in areas with restrictive internet policies. For the best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices

    6. Regular app cleanup: Uninstall apps you no longer use to reduce passive data collection.

    HOW TO REMOVE YOUR PRIVATE DATA FROM THE INTERNET 

    App-specific suggestions to safeguard your digital footprint

    Protect your personal information across the popular platforms mentioned above with these essential privacy adjustments.

    Facebook/Instagram/Threads:

    • Disable activity tracking by going to Settings > Privacy > Activity Tracking.
    • Turn off “Apps, Websites and Games” to limit third-party data sharing.

    LinkedIn:

    • Turn off ad targeting in Settings > Advertising preferences.
    • Disable profile viewing history.

    Amazon/Prime Video:

    • Opt-out of personalized ads in your account settings.
    • Limit sharing by disabling Alexa voice data storage (if applicable).

    YouTube/Google Products (e.g., Gmail, Google Maps):

    • Disable ad personalization under Google Account > Data & Personalization > Ad Settings.
    • Turn off location history and web/app activity tracking.

    Uber/Uber Eats:

    • Use the app only when needed, and avoid storing payment methods if possible.
    • Disable tracking after rides/deliveries are complete.

    PayPal:

    • Restrict sharing under Settings > Privacy & Security by opting out of data sharing for marketing purposes.

    Snapchat:

    • Disable location sharing via Snap Map and turn off ad personalization under Ad Preferences.

    TikTok:

    • Restrict personalized content recommendations in Privacy > Personalization and Data.
    • Avoid posting unnecessary personal information.

    Spotify:

    • Adjust data sharing preferences in Account Settings > Privacy Settings.
    • Opt out of tailored ads.

    Roblox:

    • Set strict privacy controls in the account settings, especially for children.
    • Use a separate, disposable email for account registration.

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    Kurt’s key takeaway

    The best way to reduce companies from collecting your data is to remove invasive apps from your phone. Many apps request unnecessary permissions that can track your activity, so deleting them limits exposure. Instead of downloading standalone apps, try using the browser versions of popular social media platforms, as they typically have fewer permissions. 

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    However, web tracking still exists through cookies and fingerprinting, so using a privacy-focused browser like Brave, Firefox with enhanced tracking protection, or Safari with Intelligent Tracking Prevention (ITP) can further reduce data collection. However, some apps are so deeply integrated that replacing them is difficult. For example, if you use an Android phone, avoiding Google’s ecosystem is nearly impossible. Apple, on the other hand, offers more privacy controls, giving users better options to limit data collection.

    Do you check app permissions before installing? How do you decide which permissions are acceptable? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

    For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter

    Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover

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    Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

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    Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved.

    Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

  • Allstate sued for allegedly tracking and selling 45M Americans’ location data

    Allstate sued for allegedly tracking and selling 45M Americans’ location data

    Nowadays, almost every app you download asks for location permissions, meaning it wants to track where you are and your movements. For an app like Google Maps, requesting location access makes perfect sense. It’s also reasonable for apps like Uber or DoorDash, which rely on location for their services. 

    However, many apps that have nothing to do with location still ask for it, and we often grant these permissions without thinking twice. When you give an app access to your location, that data is stored and, in some cases, might even be sold. According to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, this practice is not uncommon. 

    A recent lawsuit filed by Paxton alleges that the insurance company Allstate collected and sold the location data of 45 million Americans’ smartphones.

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    Illustration of a company tracking customer’s data. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    Allstate was allegedly collecting and stealing data

    In a press release, Paxton announced that he had sued Allstate and its subsidiary, Arity, for unlawfully collecting, using and selling data about the location and movements of Texans’ cellphones. The data was gathered through secretly embedded software in mobile apps, such as Life360. “Allstate and other insurers then used the covertly obtained data to justify raising Texans’ insurance rates,” the press release stated.

    The insurance provider allegedly collected trillions of miles’ worth of location data from more than 45 million Americans nationwide. The data was reportedly used to build the “world’s largest driving behavior database.” When customers sought a quote or renewed their coverage, Allstate and other insurance companies allegedly used the database to justify raising car insurance premiums.

    WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

    Paxton claims the actions violated the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act. The lawsuit alleges customers were not clearly informed their data was being collected and did not consent to the practice.

    “Our investigation revealed that Allstate and Arity paid mobile apps millions of dollars to install Allstate’s tracking software,” said Paxton. “The personal data of millions of Americans was sold to insurance companies without their knowledge or consent in violation of the law. Texans deserve better and we will hold all these companies accountable.”

    We reached out to Allstate and Arity for comments. A rep for the Allstate Corporation provided CyberGuy with this statement: “Arity helps consumers get the most accurate auto insurance price after they consent in a simple and transparent way that fully complies with all laws and regulations.”

    allstate lawsuit 2

    Illustration of a person laying out how company tracking works. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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    Car manufacturers apparently do this all the time

    Car manufacturers have also been accused of selling similar data to insurance companies. Last year, Paxton sued General Motors for allegedly collecting and selling the private driving data of more than 1.5 million Texans to insurance companies without their knowledge or consent. In addition to insurance companies, data brokers are frequent buyers of customer data. Critics say these brokers fail to adequately protect the information, leaving it vulnerable to hackers. Earlier this month, hackers claimed to have breached Gravy Analytics, a major location data broker and the parent company of Venntel, which is known for selling smartphone location data to U.S. government agencies.

    allstate lawsuit 3

    Illustration of a hacker looking at someone’s personal data. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    HOW TO REMOVE YOUR PRIVATE DATA FROM THE INTERNET

    5 ways to stay safe from unwanted tracking

    1. Avoid installing the insurance company’s app: Many insurance companies encourage users to download their apps to “simplify” claims, payments or policy management. However, these apps often collect and track your location data under the guise of improving their services. If the app is not absolutely essential, manage your account through the company’s website or contact customer service directly instead.

    2. Don’t give location permissions unnecessarily: When an app requests location access, ask yourself whether it genuinely needs this information to function. For example, a weather app may need approximate location data, but a flashlight app does not.  Always choose “Deny” or “Allow only while using the app” unless absolutely necessary. Most modern devices also allow you to provide an approximate location rather than a precise one, which is a safer option when location access is unavoidable.

    3. Review and manage app permissions regularly: Over time, you may forget which apps have been granted permissions. Regularly go through your device’s app settings to check and adjust permissions. On most devices, you can access this under settings > privacy > app permissions (specific steps vary by operating system). Revoke access for any apps that don’t need it or seem suspicious.

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    4. Turn off location services when not in use: Keep location services off when you don’t need them. This reduces the chances of apps or devices tracking you passively in the background. For tasks like mapping or food delivery, turn location services on temporarily, then turn them off when you’re done. For added security, avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, which can also be used to track your location indirectly.

    5. Use privacy-focused tools and apps: Invest in tools designed to safeguard your privacy. Virtual private networks (VPNs) can mask your location online and prevent unwanted tracking while browsing.  VPNs will also protect you from those who want to track and identify your potential location and the websites that you visit. For best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices

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    Kurt’s key takeaway

    If Allstate is indeed unlawfully collecting and selling people’s location data, Attorney General Paxton is right to hold them accountable by filing a lawsuit. In an era where cybercriminals exploit every opportunity to scam individuals, companies that fail to protect customer data are unacceptable and should face consequences. Data has become the new oil, and everyone seems eager to exploit it — often at the expense of ordinary people. Businesses that prioritize profits over privacy erode trust and put consumers at risk, making it crucial to enforce strict accountability for such practices.

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    Do you think companies like Allstate should be required to make their data practices crystal clear to customers? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

    For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter

    Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.

    Follow Kurt on his social channels:

    Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:

    New from Kurt:

    Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

    Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.