Have you ever read the privacy policies before accepting? Most people haven't. They're long and boring, and nobody wants to waste time on that. But that "I accept" is more important than it seems.
In it, apps ask for permission to access very personal data. Not just basic data: we're talking about real-time location, microphone access, files, contacts, and more.
A recent study conducted by Which and Hexiosec analyzed 20 popular applications and found that many request permissions that exceed what's necessary. This means that, without knowing it, we give these apps access to information that could be used against us.
Android users, the most exposed
Android phones are the most affected. Cybersecurity experts warn that users don't understand the real scope of the permissions they accept. Many applications seem free, but the real price is paid with our privacy.
Apps don't just collect data to improve their service. Some use the information to create detailed profiles, which they can sell to third parties or use for targeted advertising. This hidden use of data puts the digital security of millions of users around the world at risk.
The apps that request the most data
The ranking of apps that request the most permissions is led by Xiaomi Home, with a total of 91 permissions, including access to the microphone, location, and files. Samsung SmartThings, Facebook, and WhatsApp follow. These applications request access to many phone functions, which raises concerns.
TikTok is also under scrutiny. It requests permissions to record audio and access the phone's files. The company claims these accesses are necessary for the app to function, but many users aren't convinced.
Meanwhile, Temu stands out for requesting exact location permissions and for the massive sending of advertising emails, something that has also caused criticism.
What do the companies say?
The companies behind these apps defend their practices. Amazon explains that camera access is justified for functions like scanning products. Meta, which manages Facebook and WhatsApp, claims it doesn't use the microphone in the background without explicit consent.
Despite these statements, the reality is that many users feel they don't have control over their data. The line between what's necessary to use the application and what's an invasion of privacy has become very thin.