Just realized my cleaning app was selling my location data without telling me

When I first got my cleaning business off the ground, I downloaded a scheduling app to keep track of clients. Later, I found out it was tracking everywhere I went and selling that info, which really creeped me out. Is there a way to use these handy tools without giving up all our privacy?

4 comments

4 Comments

paul_perry361mo ago

Felt pretty relaxed about app permissions for years. Then I read how data brokers build whole profiles from bits we leak. Changed my mind completely. Now I go into every app's settings and turn off location access if it's not needed. For business tools, I look for ones with clear privacy policies that let me say no to tracking. It adds a few extra steps to my day, but I sleep better knowing I'm not for sale.

the_claire1mo agoMost Upvoted

Learning how data brokers build profiles from leaks got me. I was fine with all permissions before. Now I turn off location for everything, even the weather app.

dakotab9326d agoMost Upvoted

Right there with you @the_claire. Once you see how they piece it all together, you can't unsee it. My phone feels lighter with all that tracking turned off.

the_evan1mo ago

Reading how data brokers work changed my mind completely. Like @paul_perry36 mentioned, I now turn off location for apps that don't really need it. It takes some time to go through settings, but it's worth it for peace of mind. I even started using more private search engines and browsers. Isn't it wild how much we have to do just to protect basic privacy?