As a tech-savvy individual, you may be using multiple apps that make your life easier. However, you might be surprised to learn that some of these apps could be secretly selling your exact location to advertisers. Here, we delve into seven apps that are potentially sharing your location data without your explicit consent.
Foursquare: A Social Media App Sharing More Than Just Check-ins
While Foursquare may be your go-to app for sharing your favorite hangouts, it’s also a goldmine for advertisers. Foursquare collects data on your check-ins and shares this information with advertisers, making it easier for them to target their ads based on your location. It’s not just about where you are, but also where you’ve been and where you’re likely to go next.
Even when the app is not in use, it continues to track your location, gathering valuable data for advertisers. This practice might make you think twice before your next check-in.
AccuWeather: A Weather App that Tracks More Than Your Local Forecast
Checking the weather is a daily routine for most of us. AccuWeather, however, does more than just provide forecasts. This popular app has been found to track user location data and sell it to advertisers. This means that the app knows more than just whether you’ll need an umbrella today—it knows where you are.
According to a report, even when location sharing is turned off, the app continues to track your whereabouts. This data is a lucrative commodity for marketers who want to know your habits and preferences.
GasBuddy: Fueling Advertisers with Your Location
GasBuddy is a handy tool for finding the cheapest gas prices near you. But it’s also feeding your location data to advertisers. This app tracks your movements and shares this data with third parties, essentially trading your privacy for cheaper gas.
As revealed in a privacy policy review, the app collects your location data, even when not in use, and uses it for targeted advertising.
Tinder: How Your Search for Love May Be Selling Your Location
While you’re swiping right on Tinder, advertisers might be swiping right on your data. The popular dating app has been found to track users’ locations and sell this information to advertisers. This means that while you’re looking for love, advertisers are looking at your location.
A study reveals that Tinder collects and shares your data with third parties, which includes your real-time location and places you frequently visit.
Waze: Navigating You Towards Intrusive Ads
Waze, a popular navigation app, might be leading you to more than just your destination. The app collects your real-time location data and shares it with advertisers, offering them detailed insights into your daily commutes and travel habits.
This data can be used by advertisers to target you with location-based ads and services, turning your daily commute into an opportunity for them to pitch their products.
Inrix: A Traffic App That’s Driving Your Data to Advertisers
Inrix, a traffic prediction app, does more than just help you avoid traffic. The app has been found to collect and share your location data with advertisers. This means that while you’re trying to beat the rush hour, advertisers are rushing to get their hands on your data.
Just like Waze, Inrix sells your commuting patterns to advertisers, giving them a detailed picture of your daily movements and preferences.
Snapchat: When Snapping Becomes Mapping for Advertisers
With Snapchat, every snap you share might be a map for advertisers. The app collects your location data and shares it with third parties. While this enhances the app’s mapping features, it also provides advertisers with valuable data about your whereabouts.
According to a discussion on Reddit, even when location services are turned off, Snapchat continues to track your location, providing a treasure trove of data for advertisers.