Do you have an iPhone and you don’t share your data with apps like Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram? Facebook knows how to get them from you anyway – without you knowing it!
For years, online security researchers have had doubts about the actions of Facebook (and thus also WhatsApp and Instagram) in the field of user privacy.
The most recent report published in Forbes reveals disturbing information regarding collecting our data through the above platforms. The problem especially concerns owners of Apple smartphones.
Probably some of you remember the case regarding the introduction of the function by the giant from Cupertino App Tracking Transparency – it forces developers to inform users about what information they collect about us. The iPhone owner must also consent to the collection of information.
fot. Pixabay
–
Facebook knows way too much about you
The new option led Mark Zuckerberg to a white fever – so Appple managed to put an end to Facebook’s activities. For Zuckerberg, this meant a lot of losses – collecting information about users helps to match them relevant ads.
Facebook, however, decided to outsmart the giant from Cupertino. As researchers alarmed, applications still collect our location data using metadata from photos or IP addressbut that’s not all.
It only gets worse. It turns out that Facebook also uses it without our knowledge accelerometerto collect information about our habits, working times, heart rate or intensity of activities. All this illegally obtained data helps Facebook apps earn more from advertising.
Foot. Annie Spratt Unsplash
–
Facebook is reading data from the accelerometer all the time. If you deny Facebook access to your location, the app will still be able to determine your exact location only by grouping you with users matching the same vibration pattern that your phone’s accelerometer is recording
Commented security researchers Tommy Mysk and Talal Haj Bakry
In short, it means that when you are next to another user who shares your location, Facebook will notice you thanks to the accelerometer. This way, the applications will know which ads to show you.
Interestingly, studies conducted in applications such as TikTok, iMessage, WeChat, Telegram and Signal have shown that none of the above platforms collect such data.
foot. Tim Bennett / Unsplash
–
How does Facebook justify itself? The company claims that the accelerometer is used, inter alia, down proper operation of the camera functions. However, this still does not explain the collection of user information in this suspicious and rather scary way.
According to researchers, at the moment, the only way to limit Facebook applications from collecting data without our knowledge is theirs uninstalling.
Also read:
Your Xiaomi is unwell? This is not a problem – the brand’s free service hotline is starting!
– .
