Apps
Facebook, Instagram, Messenger and Threads Access and Share All 14 Types Of User Data Among 50 Apps: Report
In a recent study, it has been found that 4 apps that are owned by Meta access most user data among 50 apps. Since users can restrict personal data collection on their smartphone, many of them aren’t aware of the types of information being collected.
Analysts at greensmartphones analyzed the personal information collected by the UK’s 50 most popular free apps on the Google Play store. In addition, the firm has also assessed whether the app developer shares any of this info with 3rd parties, and whether they let users request that their data be deleted.
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As defined by Google Play Store, each category of personal information is relatively broad and contains multiple different types of data. In the chart, the only four apps that collect all 14 kinds of user data are owned by Meta, namely Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and Threads.
These four apps not only collect user data but also share the collected data with third parties. However, users can raise a request to get the data collected by the application to be deleted. Check the 14 types of user data list below, followed by the chart of the top 50 apps, and check your favorite apps’ status.
14 Types Of User Data
- Personal information
- Financial information
- Photos and videos
- Audio
- Messages
- Contacts
- Files and documents
- Calendar
- Health/fitness information
- App activity
- Web browsing activity
- Location
- App info & performance data
- Device or other IDs
Analysis of user data collected by the UK’s 50 most popular free apps on Play Store:
How to protect your privacy
- Uninstall any apps you don’t use
- Review app permissions
- How to: Settings > Privacy > Permission Manager.
- Turn off location services
- Hot to: Settings > Privacy > Location, or swipe down from the top of the screen to open the system tray, and then tap the “Location” icon.
- Take advantage of your right to be forgotten
- Carefully review data access rights when installing new apps
WhatsApp bringing Instagram-like sticker prompts for status updates
WhatsApp is testing a new feature that will make status updates more interactive and fun. In the latest beta (version 2.24.23.21) update for Android, WhatsApp is working on a new sticker prompts feature for status updates.
The “Add Yours” sticker lets users create interactive challenges or prompts in their status updates to encourage friends and contacts to share their own content.
This feature is similar to Instagram’s sticker but with a unique twist. When you use the “Add Yours” sticker, you can ask your contacts to share something specific.
For example, a user might create a prompt asking everyone to share a picture of their garden. When someone taps the sticker, they can add their status update related to the prompt. This brings a fun and creative way to engage with friends.
Since WhatsApp status updates are end-to-end encrypted, your contacts won’t be able to see who started the challenge or who has participated. It means your responses stay private, and only the people you’ve chosen to share your status with will see your content. It ensures that interactions stay secure and confidential.
The sticker prompts feature is currently being tested in the WhatsApp beta for Android and will be available in a future update. Keep an eye out for more updates as WhatsApp continues to improve its app.
WhatsApp to let users pick their preferred main color for app interface
Apps
Samsung boosts Auto Blocker with new ‘Maximum Restrictions’ feature
Samsung has rolled out a fresh update for its Auto Blocker app with version 1.1.00.28. The update brings a new layer of security as it introduces the “Maximum restrictions” option for users who require extra protection against potential threats.
The fresh update is rolling out for Galaxy devices running One UI 6.1.1. It offers different conditions for One UI 6.1.1 and the upcoming One UI 7. Notably, the upcoming One UI iteration will provide enhanced security with Auto Blocker.
The fresh update of Samsung Auto Blocker adds the “Maximum restrictions” mode, which offers stronger protection for sensitive data. When activated, this mode restricts certain features on the device to limit exposure to unauthorized access.
The update turns on the “App protection” feature, which blocks the activation of device admin apps and work profiles. Additionally, some Samsung apps, including Samsung Messages and Gallery, will have limited functionality when this mode is enabled.
What’s new for One UI 7 devices?
With One UI 7, the “Maximum restrictions” mode will receive even more robust protections. When the Auto Blocker turns on, it blocks USB connections and prevents devices from connecting to your phone for purposes other than charging. In addition, the update also blocks 2G networks and prevents automatic reconnection to non-secure Wi-Fi networks.
Aside from this, Samsung has already started rolling out One UI 7’s Auto Blocker maximum restrictions conditions to Galaxy devices through a new update. Currently, some Galaxy flagships received its support and will expand to more soon.
US unlocked Galaxy S24 gets advanced Auto Blocker with November 2024 update
Apps
Magic Compose button gets a fresh look in Google Messages
Google is testing a new design for its Messages app that makes the Magic Compose button easier to access. This change is being tested in the latest beta version of Google Messages, and users may see it in future updates.
The Magic Compose feature helps you rewrite your messages in different styles. It used to be hidden behind a small arrow when you typed, which made it hard to find. But now, with the new design, Magic Compose moves to the same row as smart reply suggestions.
The new place of the Magic Compose button on Google Messages makes it visible all the time, even when no reply suggestions are shown. Talking about the appearance, it has a button, which is pill-shaped with a sparkle, located on the far right of the smart reply row. It also changes color to match the send button, thanks to Android’s Dynamic Color feature.
Now, the Magic Compose button changes to Magic Rewrite (via 9to5Google) when you start typing in the message box. The rewrite feature shows a pencil icon with a sparkle, letting you quickly rewrite your message. The feature still works the same way to offer different ways to phrase your message with just a tap.
The change is designed to make the app cleaner and easier to use. In the old design, there were multiple buttons like the “plus” menu, gallery, and Magic Compose, all in the bottom row. Now that Magic Compose is moved into the smart reply row, the text box is bigger and there’s less clutter on the screen.