The Google Play Store is the online store for Android mobile users. All apps located there must report what is done with user data in the so-called security section.
Comparing their privacy descriptions, which vary depending on the app’s usage model, the app must initially inform the following:
- Whether or not the data will be shared with third parties
- If the application collects user data
- Security measure that protects you (the vast majority of them use encryption)
Additionally, depending on the selected application, some allow you to request data deletion. Not all of them do, but most of the prominent applications have this right.
Play Store information is not 100% accurate
According to a study by Mozilla, most so-called privacy indicators allegedly contain false or misleading information. Almost 80% of the apps phone number library reported such divergent characteristics.
The measure used to identify false or misleading information was based on the differences found between the official privacy policies of the applications.
The study used TikTok as an example
TikTok’s data security section on the Play Store states that data is not shared with third parties.
Mozilla went back and compared it with what is said on TikTok’s official page. It was discovered that in fact, the data is shared with third parties. That is, with third-party service providers, cloud storage providers, measurement providers, analytics providers, and advertisers.
- 16 of the 40 apps analyzed, or 40%, received a “Poor” rating, including social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook.
- 15 of the 40 apps evaluated, or 37.5%, were if you know anything about performance as “Needs Improvement”, including YouTube, Google Maps, Gmail, WhatsApp and Instagram.
- Only 6 of the 40%, or 15%, received an “OK” rating. Most of them are mobile games: Candy Crush Saga, Google Play Games, Subway Surfers, Stickman Legends, Power Amp and League of Stickman: 2020 Ninja.
What was suggested as the solution?
In order for the problem to be solved, the study’s author states that both Google and Apple must adopt a universal and standardized form of data privacy system on their platforms.
It was also recommended that companies expand and explain their enforcement actions against apps that are not in compliance, and that they assume certain responsibilities to ensure the accuracy of the information provided by the app.
Since 2017, Mozilla has been focusing part of its studies on privacy and digital security.
Final Conclusion on Play Store Data
Studies of this type will continue to bgb directory as the issue of privacy and security increasingly impacts business. In other words, such research somehow reaches large companies, after all, their image is at stake.