How to stop your phone spying on you?

How to stop your phone spying on you?

by

 

How to stop your phone from spying on you?

 

1. Check App Permissions:

  • Android: On Android devices, navigate to “Settings” > “Security & Privacy” > “Permissions Manager.” Here, you can see which apps have accessed various permissions like camera, microphone, location, etc.
  • iPhone: You can create a Privacy Report to see which apps have accessed your data. Go to “Settings” > “Privacy,” then tap “App Privacy Report” to enable it.

2. Understand Data Collection Practices:

  • Be aware that many apps, by default, collect data such as location tracking, camera, and microphone access. This data is often used for advertising and other purposes. Service providers rely on users not realizing they are being tracked or assuming it’s necessary.

3. Enable Advanced Data Protection on iPhone:

  • Apple has introduced Advanced Data Protection to enhance the security of your data. It enables end-to-end encryption for various data types like photos, notes, voice memos, iCloud Drive, and Siri shortcuts.
  • To activate it on your iPhone, tap “Settings,” tap your name, then tap “iCloud.” Scroll down to “Advanced Data Protection” and turn it on.

4. Turn Off Location History and Uninstall Unused Apps:

  • Location History on Android: Turning off location history on Android devices does not prevent Google from collecting your data but stops it from creating a timeline.
  • Google Maps: To restrict Google Maps’ access to location on Android, go to “Settings” > “Location” > “Location permission.”
  • Uninstall Unused Apps: Regularly uninstall apps that you don’t use. Apps running in the background may be collecting data unnecessarily.

5. Disable Voice Assistants:

  • On iPhone, open “Settings,” select “Siri and Search,” and turn off “Listen to Hey Siri.”
  • On Android, go to “Settings” > “Google” > “Google Apps Settings” > “Search, Assistant, & Voice” > “Google Assistant” > “Access to your Assistant,” then turn it off.

6. Review App Permissions:

  • Periodically review and adjust app permissions for location, camera, microphone, and other sensitive data—Disable permissions for apps that don’t genuinely need access to this information.

7. Be Mindful of App Downloads:

  • Before downloading apps, carefully read user reviews, permissions, and privacy policies to understand how your data will be used.

8. Consider Alternatives:

  • Some apps may have more privacy-friendly alternatives. Explore options that prioritize user data protection.

By following these steps and staying vigilant about your app permissions and data privacy settings, you can reduce how much your personal information is collected and used for advertising. Protecting your data privacy enhances your online security and contributes to a healthier online experience.

Leave a Comment