Safeguard your privacy while using apps

Every application, whether it's a game, social media, or even a simple lens for a mobile phone, is always accompanied by Terms of Use. The Terms of Use describe, among other things, what data (photos, messages, location, and so on) and what aspect (such as camera or microphone) need to be accessed by the application in order to receive its full functionality.

Date 2017-11-16 Author Greek Safer Internet Centre
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But what happens when applications request permissions which they do not need? Apart from the possibility of an error, concerns are expressed by experts who claim that users' personal data are being misused by companies that collect them for profit: that is, they sell the data to other companies to be used for targeted advertising. In short, as market makers rightly point out, free apps are not really free... we pay for them with our data!

We should have the right and ability to protect our privacy and our personal data. The first thing we need to do is to be aware of the apps that run on our smartphones and the licenses that these applications have. We also need to review existing applications and delete those that we do not use as they can continue to collect data just by their very presence.

The Greek Safer Internet Centre (SIC) SaferInternet4Kids has produced a new booklet (in English) addressing this issue. Titled "Safeguard your privacy while using apps", it helps readers to learn how to properly manage access permissions on apps (in both Android and iOS) and to protect both privacy and data. Read the booklet on the SaferInternet4Kids website.

Find out more about the work of the Greek Safer Internet Centre, including their awareness raising, helpline, hotline and youth participation services on the Better Internet for Kids (BIK) portal.

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