Use Apple, Google, Facebook or Twitter? Here's how to find out what they know about YOU
It’s no surprise anymore that social media companies like Meta gather a lot of information about you. Tap or click here for 10 Facebook privacy and security settings you need to change right now.
When you create an account with Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, you’re asked if you’d like to sync your contacts. It seems harmless, but it’s not. Here’s why you need to stop doing this.
Data collection goes far beyond social media. Every Big Tech company has at least some information on you. Apple, Google, Twitter, and Meta all have profiles on you. But what exactly do they know? Well, there is a way for you to find out.
Find out what Apple knows
Some Big Tech companies have taken steps to minimize your data’s exposure to third-party advertisers, but it doesn’t eradicate it completely. A few months ago, Apple introduced its App Tracking Transparency (ATT), which allows iOS users to decide which apps can access their data.
Even with that active setting, Apple still collects a massive amount of data, including your Apple ID details, data stored in your photos and emails, and purchases from the Apple Store, App Store, and iTunes.
You can download a copy of your personal data to see what Apple has stored on you. Here’s how:
- Log into your Apple account at privacy.apple.com and select Request a copy of your data.
- Select the data you want or tick the box for Select all.
- Click Continue then Complete Request.
- You’ll get to a confirmation screen saying you will be notified by email when your data is ready. It may take up to seven days.
You may need to sign in multiple times and get a two-factor authentication code if enabled. Tap or click here for details on 2FA and why you should use this security tool whenever possible.
Google tracks more than search
If you have a Google account, the company may know more about you than your closest friends. The only way for Google to stop tracking and storing your data is not to use its services. That’s easier said than done.
Here’s how to manage what Google knows about you:
How to limit ad tracking on Android
Tracking on mobile phones will always be a controversial topic. As much as some people detest being served relevant and localized ads, companies have been using ad tracking for years to understand consumers’ habits better.
Big Tech companies have profiles on you - Here's how to see them
It should be no surprise to anybody that social media and tech companies gather a lot of information about you. In most cases, you supply the data willingly (or sometimes begrudgingly) so that you can access their services. Tap or click here for 10 Facebook privacy and security settings you need to change right now.
Quick privacy fix: How to stop iPhone apps from tracking you
Millions of Apple fans woke up to the exciting notification that iOS 14.5 is available for their device. The update has been much discussed over the last few weeks, as it includes a rather vital security update. Tap or click here to download iOS 14.5 and unlock a powerful new privacy feature.
Facebook privacy: All the ways to stop or limit targeted ads
Facebook loves targeted ads like a dragon loves each golden coin in its mountain of treasure. That’s why Facebook is breathing fire at the thought of Apple’s iOS 14 update.
Later this spring, Apple will launch the “App Tracking Transparency” feature, which requires your consent before an app can track your activity across websites and apps. Mark Zuckerberg was none too happy. He painted the privacy changes as self-serving and anti-competitive during a recent earnings conference call.
Can you trust Apple's new app privacy labels? One report says no
Do you remember in mid-2020 when Apple said it would start requiring app developers to spell out what data they gather from users? Late last year, those changes finally rolled out for iOS 14.3.
Those informational labels’ goal — also known as nutrition labels — is to show what data your apps collect about you. This information has to be submitted to Apple by developers before any updates or new apps will be added to the App Store. Tap or click here for a more in-depth look at Apple’s nutrition labels.