Mobile & Apps

Probably not listening to conversations. But it doesn’t need to — it already knows so much.

What your phone tracks:

• Location (where you go, how long you stay)
• Contacts and communication patterns
• Browsing and purchase history
• App usage and screen time
• WiFi networks you connect to

The “coincidence” explained:

When you talk about dog food and see ads, you probably searched pet stuff recently, passed a pet store, or your friend just bought some. Algorithms predict what you want before you know it.

What to do:

• Review and revoke unnecessary permissions
• Disable ad tracking in settings
• Limit location access
• Use privacy-focused apps

A flashlight app asking for contacts, camera, and location? No, it doesn’t need those.

Why apps over-request:

• Data sells to advertisers
• Lazy development (“just in case”)
• Hidden tracking features

Red flags:

• Games wanting contacts or SMS
• Background location for non-navigation apps
• Microphone for non-voice apps

How to manage:

• iPhone: Settings → Privacy & Security
• Android: Settings → Apps → [App] → Permissions

Best practice:

• Deny by default
• Use “While Using” for location
• Delete apps you don’t use
• Audit permissions every few months

That iPhone pop-up “Allow this app to track?” — here’s what it means.

What tracking does:

Apps follow you OUTSIDE the app to see what else you do, building ad profiles and sharing data across companies.

How to stop it:

iPhone: Always tap “Ask App Not to Track”

Android: Settings → Privacy → Ads → Delete advertising ID

Does it work?

Mostly yes. It stops the easiest tracking. Companies still try “fingerprinting” but platforms are cracking down.

Tracking affects more than ads — it influences prices you see and how data brokers categorize you.

Yes. Stock Android and iOS send data to Google and Apple constantly. Alternatives exist.

Options:

Privacy-focused Android variants remove Google tracking while keeping app compatibility. Some offer:

• No telemetry to Google
• Sandboxed app stores
• Enhanced security features
• Regular updates

The trade-offs:

• Only work on certain phones
• Some apps may not work
• Requires technical setup
• No Apple alternative (iOS is locked down)

Is it worth it?

For most people, properly configured stock iOS or Android is good enough. Privacy-focused OS is for those who want maximum protection.

See: Secure mobile OS options

Not necessarily. Cloud backups often aren’t end-to-end encrypted.

The problem:

iCloud: Most data IS encrypted, but Apple holds the keys. They can access it if legally required. (iCloud Advanced Data Protection fixes this, but you must enable it.)

Google: Backups are encrypted, but Google can access some data.

What gets backed up:

• Photos and videos
• Messages
• App data
• Contacts
• Settings

How to improve backup privacy:

• Enable end-to-end encrypted backup (if available)
• Use encrypted local backups instead of cloud
• Be selective about what you back up
• Consider privacy-focused alternatives for photos/messages

If your backup isn’t end-to-end encrypted, the company (and potentially authorities) can access it.