30-second privacy check: See what companies you’re unknowingly sharing personal data with
Big Tech companies look at you and see much more than a simple person — they see a buffet of data. Every bit of your life can be collected, compiled in a digital folder and sold off to the highest bidder. If you aren’t sure which companies know the most about you, use this guide to find out who has your data.
One of the biggest ways you overshare is linking your Google account to third-party apps, like social media or music streaming services. Connecting these apps can make your digital life more fun and convenient, but it comes at a cost. Around 52% of apps share your information with third parties for targeted advertising.
Good news: If you granted permission, you can take it away. It’s not always easy to understand where to begin, though. Here’s a quick way to see which companies you gave private information to.
It takes less than a minute
Learning about the $200 billion data collection industry can make you wonder, “What companies have my data?” Luckily, there’s a quick way you can see what apps and services are connected to your accounts. We will show you how to see your connected apps on Google and Facebook because these companies are some of the biggest data collectors.
If you have a half-hour and a pair of headphones, check out this episode of the Kim Komando Today podcast. It breaks down the way companies and government agencies buy your data. That’s right: Federal agencies can’t seize your private data, but they can buy it from data brokers.
The world of data collection is a pretty sticky web. If you don’t take the time to snip those clinging threads now and then, you could find yourself too tangled to move. Here are two ways to determine which companies know the most about you.
1. How to see the third-party apps you connected to Facebook
Facebook is pretty notorious for collecting a ton of data on its users. Luckily, its Privacy Center is transparent about it. Tap or click here to see everything it collects on you.
If you want to see all the third-party apps and services you connected to Facebook over the years, follow these steps. It shouldn’t take longer than 30 seconds to find the complete list.
What to do if you’re on a computer
- Click the downward arrow on the top right corner of Facebook.
- First, tap Settings & Privacy.
- Then, select Settings.
- Lastly, hit Apps and Websites in the left side menu.
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