Google Map is facility we all use to reach our different destinations. Google map uses our location, then find a best route to head over to destination. But why other apps need our location. Yes, some apps really need our location but if they need our location always. Off course not, they track us, collect data and build a detailed profile of our life.
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Welcome to Threat Thursday, where we shed light on threats in our digital world you do not know. Today, we are exposing another threat which we do to know but it is harmful for our lives. It is constant surveillance of background location tracking.
When we allow apps to use our location "Always", after granting location, they track our daily routine, monitor habits and sell this collected data to advertisers. This data is not just limited to advertisers to show targeted ads, in other ways this data reveal you are not at home, your social circle and daily routines.
Red flags you can notice are that app does not need your location for its core function like a calculator app, ads that are specific to your location, your battery drains because background location power use is greater.
How to take control back, I guide you step by step to check your apps location. ON iPhone: Go to Setting > Privacy & Security > Location Services. Review each app and set it to "While Using" or "Never". ON Android: Go to Setting > Location > App Location Permissions. Do the same review and set to "While Using" or "Never".
I suggest you to say no to "Always Allow" permission to all apps and turn off your location when you do not need.