Through this series we have learnt a lot about how we access, use and consume the Internet with varying amounts of security, privacy and anonymity. We previously discussed how you use the Internet – through a portal such as a browser or app – can also vary the amount you are being recorded.

Your data is being collected. PERIOD. Either way – browser or app – data is collected and stored. Our rule of thumb is to use a browser for open services that do not require a login and use the appropriate app for services which require you to login with your account credentials. Do think about whether you need to login to use the service!

One of the problems with this occurs when users are informed of what permissions the application needs and more importantly why!

Mobile operating systems are getting better at this and some ask for permission as certain services are requested to make it easier to link the function to the permission.

But why does my calculator needs permission to access my contacts? Well it doesn’t – but the people who coded that calculator application is wanting to collect as much information as possible! Even if there was some sort of legitimate reason for a calculator to have access to your contacts can you guarantee that they have setup suitable security measures to protect against data breaches or information leaks?

Personally I just about trust myself on the Internet, but definitely not a company that is more interested in profits than my security, anonymity or online privacy. Have a look at all the companies and sites that have had beaches in the last decade at haveibeenpwned.com. If you had bought anything through one of these sites or even just created an account – your name, address, email and possibly more has been leaked and is available for free on the Internet.

Overall, be careful – think about whether an the app you are using and what you are needing it for actually needs those permissions – can you achieve it another way that won’t compromise your online security, anonymity or privacy.

Next we’ll close out the series with INTERNET: a post primer.

Resource: https://www.reddit.com/r/virtualreality/comments/nf6jak/whats_so_bad_about_facebook_an_explanation/