On Downloading Apps

For budget, we need an app.
To count our steps, we need an app.
To keep track of water intake, we need an app.
For calorie count, we need an app.

We need an app for menstrual cycles.
We need another app to log our daily events and future events.

Yet another app for completed and pending jobs.
And there is app for invoicing.

Learn to drive app.
Learn to program app.
Learn to cook app.

Are you aware that while downloading apps, we unwittingly give them access to our CONTACTS, to our CAMERA, to our MICROPHONE, etc.?

This article 👇 makes it easier to identify the WORRY POINTS before hitting the DOWNLOAD button.

Main points are:

If you don't understand their terms and conditions at one glance, beware.

By using their service, you agree to their policies - beware.

Their use of your data and sharing with a third party - beware.

Apps that track your steps when you are out of the house or know your home and office location, if they sell these informations to a third party, it might jeopardize your security. So be careful.

The article also points out that whether we can continue to use the app after not letting it access other phone features. This is usually a point to worry about.

Then there is the trap where they can withdraw or suspend your account with no notice.

The classic one is where the company can penalize you, but you can't do the same to the company.
Yep! that too.

Now for the best part.

The writer suggests downloading 'Terms of Service; Didn't Read' browser extension that can classify the terms and conditions into class A - good through Class E - Worst. Also, it can identify sections of the company policy statements into Good, Bad, Blocker or Neutral.

Google is always suspicious about new sites.

At first it showed tosdr.org as a not secure site. But became a secure site after 3rd attempt.

It rates:
Brainly - Class E
YouTube - Class D
Google -  Class C
SoundCloud - Class B
DuckDuckGo - Class A
and
LinkedIn - No class yet

Polisis is another, which is an "AI that reads privacy policies so you don't have to!"

All you have to do is exercise a little caution.

If you go through the apps, you will find multiple apps giving you the same service but

some use fewer bytes
some are free but come with ads
some use less battery
some demands access to other features in the phone
some are compatible with your device
some have hidden costs.

Therefore, with some research and caution, you will find a perfect fit.

Conclusion:

Just keep in mind that nothing comes free and the makers of the app need to survive.

But how much information you want to share, this decision should be entirely yours and not theirs.