Be honest. Have you ever read a Privacy Statement start to finish before installing a new app? Most people will answer “no” and the result can range from the irritating to the devastating. Millions of people signed away permission to their photos by saying “Yes” to the FaceApp. Still more give their location to seemingly innocuous weather apps that go on to sell not just your location but your commuting and purchasing habits (based on your location). Even multi-player gaming apps log (with your permission) your location, age, Facebook ID, friends list, and any messages you exchange with fellow gamers.
While privacy has certainly taken a backseat to entertainment and commerce, reviewing Privacy Statements more thoroughly may protect you from truly malicious intent. So next time you’re about to install the next best app, read the Privacy Statement thoroughly and then decide what is more important: the privacy of your location, contacts, and communications OR seeing what you’ll look like at 85.
