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When it comes to using your smartphone in a way that is productive and enjoyable, one priority is likely on the top of your list: securing your privacy. Given the fact that your phone contains an abundance of information about you, including personal messages, images, contacts, and the locations you frequent, it makes sense that you protect this sensitive data. Unfortunately, some of the most popular apps that are widely used aren’t helping matters. This is the one app you should delete right now to protect your privacy, according to security experts.
When Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg was called to testify before Congress in 2018, lawmakers grilled him about the Cambridge Analytica breach and the social media site’s potential overreach efforts (including how it planned to develop its own currency). But users ended up learning a whole lot more about how Facebook uses their data — and why it could be compromising their security.
It’s no secret that Facebook collects a ton of data on its users. When you install the Facebook app you (often unknowingly) agree to allow it access to information about other websites and apps you visit, the way you use services on those apps, hashtags you use and groups you’re connected with (including political affiliations). Facebook then gives this intel to its advertisers who can better target ads to Facebook users based on their interests and connections. As the saying goes, “if an app is free, you are the product.”
Be aware the Facebook also owns Instagram and WhatsApp, so any time you use these apps you are again providing data that is passed on to Facebook’s advertisers. And Facebook Messenger is yet another example of an app that isn’t serious about protecting your privacy. The messenger app doesn’t feature end-to-end encryption, which means your messages can be read by a Facebook employee.
If you’re curious about the data Facebook has collected on you, you can download a copy of your Facebook information by clicking the down arrow on your Facebook account and going to Settings > Privacy > Settings. To the left you’ll see Facebook Information. Click view next to Download Your Information and on the next page click Create File. Click Available Copies > Download Again and enter your password. Your data will appear in a Zip file. You may be shocked to learn just how much this seemingly innocent social media site knows about you.
