Plat4om in earlier reports revealed that more than a thousand Android apps bypass users’ wishes to spy on their data. The research suggested that the apps can gather data simply from an active Wi-Fi connection. The issue of privacy is one that everyone online is struggling with.

 

A clear indication that you are being spied on is when you notice ads on your browser based on searches you have made. Google says it has addressed the issues in its upcoming Android Q OS update. But there are some precautious measures you can make before then to make it harder to access your data.

 

Some of these apps you download can ask for access to your microphone, camera or location. These are tools that the tech companies who create the app can use to track your data. If you know that an app does not necessarily need your microphone to function, simply deny it access. This is because giving an app access to your microphone could mean that you are being listened to.

 

However, an important precaution is to constantly be aware of the permissions given to apps on your phone. Here are a few ways to prevent apps from accessing your information.

 

1. Turn off your “Photos” location data

 

• To do this, simply go to the Photo app on your Android phone.
• Then tap on the menu and select Settings.
• Tap on Remove geolocation and then turn off the individual photo’s location in the Photo app.
• You can do that by opening the photo and clicking on the three dots
• Then select Info and choose No Location.
• You can also go to the submenu beneath the map and click Remove Location.

 

2. Check for viruses

 

Android phones come with Google Play Protect that helps to identify dangerous threats on an app. Apps are generally susceptible to viruses or flaws that can expose users to hackers. So it is better to scan the apps on your phone from time to time to stay safe.

• To do this go to the Settings on your Android phone.
• Then tap security and select Google Play Protect.
• This will scan all the apps on the phone. If a threat is found, it will be advisable to delete the infected app off your phone or update to a fixed version.

 

3. Disable app permission individually

 

You can enable and disable installed apps permissions one by one. You can decide to turn on and turn off the ones you want individually.

• First, go to the Settings app on your Android phone.
• Then tap on the Application Manager.
• Now tap permissions on the app that you would like to change and choose which permissions to turn on and off.