Using free apps has become second nature in recent years. There is literally an app for everything and most are free of cost. However, is “free” really free? The hidden price behind these $0 apps is often your personal data. That said, knowing who profits from your information has become more urgent. Here are 10 reasons you need to stop using free apps.
1. Your Data is the Currency
Your data is currency on the web. Free apps will often gather and sell your personal details to third-party companies. This information can include everything from your location to personal interests and social connections. Believe it or not, these companies profit a ton of money from this exchange of data.
2. Targeted Advertising Puts You in a Bubble
If an app is free, it might be using your data to create detailed profiles about you. This will allow advertisers to target you with precision. While this might put products you’re interested in on your news feed, it can also keep you in a bubble of personalized ads. In the long run, this can limit your exposure to diverse viewpoints and possibly skew your perception of the world. On top of that, it will also impact your purchasing decisions.
3. You Lose Control Over Your Privacy
Privacy is another reason you should reconsider using those free apps. There is a lack of transparency about how your data is being used. Once they have your details, you likely won’t ever know where it goes. This can leave you vulnerable to privacy violations, resulting in sensitive information scattered on the internet.
4. Data Brokers Sell Your Information to the Highest Bidder
Free apps might also give your information to data brokers. These companies collect personal information and sell it to other businesses, often without the user’s consent. After that, your data is constantly being exchanged between companies and monetized without your knowledge.
5. Hackers and Cybercriminals Target Your Data
Cybersecurity is a major concern when it comes to free apps. The more companies that have access to your information will make it easier for hackers to access it. Once your data has been stolen, it can be bought and sold on the dark web. You could even potentially become a victim of identity theft. The consequences of your data being stolen and sold can have long-lasting effects on your life.
6. Your Data Fuels the Surveillance Economy
If you’re like me, you don’t love knowing that the government and corporations are constantly tracking user behavior. Oftentimes, your data is being shared with law enforcement agencies to develop more invasive tracking technology. The rise of the surveillance economy strips away personal freedoms.
7. Free Apps Lead to Digital Overload
It’s easy to go overboard with free apps. Your device can quickly become cluttered if you’re just downloading everything that comes across your screen. And, if they’re storing and collecting your data, it will take up even more space. These types of apps will often run in the background and track your location, browser history, and other pertinent data.
8. Data Collection is Often Non-Consensual
As mentioned above, data collection companies tend to not ask a person’s consent before they start taking their information and selling it. Many users will simply agree to the terms of service without actually reading it and don’t understand the implications. By using the app and checking the “I agree” box, you are granting them permission to harvest and share your data.
9. Your Behavior is Monetized
Free apps don’t just collect static information like your name and address either. They also track your behavior online. Every time you click something, like, or share, it contributes to a data profile that is valuable to marketers and advertisers. This data can help companies predict your future actions and profit even more from having knowledge of your habits.
10. The Illusion of Free Comes at a Cost
When it comes to free apps, most are too good to be true. Nothing is for free and these apps come with hidden costs. You will pay with your data, privacy, and possibly even your peace of mind. Additionally, companies will profit from getting access to your personal information. Using these apps just further feeds the system that exploits users for profit.
Time to Reevaluate “Free”
You should reconsider downloading free apps. Your data is important and it is extremely valuable. It’s important to ask and know who will profit from your data as well as how much information you are revealing. Understanding these risks will help you take the necessary steps to protect yourself. It is also a good idea to consider switching to paid alternatives and look into tools to increase your data security.