Thousands of Android apps covertly collect location data using Bluetooth and WiFi beacons, allowing tracking and profiling of users.

cross-posted from: https://infosec.pub/post/25439167

A new study reveals that thousands of Android apps covertly collect location data using Bluetooth and WiFi beacons, allowing continuous tracking and profiling of users without explicit consent.

  • Wobble@lemmy.dbzer0.com
    8·
    3 days ago

    I had it today, I was with a friend and they got a notification “Hey! Youre quite close to us, come and have some food!”. I shudder to think the picture that is painted just by being in proximity to people that have zero regard for their data.

    • easily3667English
      1·
      3 days ago

      Google did that to me a few years back when I went to a coffee shop. And that’s how I began my journey towards calyx/lineage. (For privacy - had used lineage for long term support before)

      • absentrevision@lemm.eeEnglish
        1·
        3 days ago

        Graphene OS / no Google account / no sim / perma airplane mode here

        I also try to only install FOSS software and keep it minimal

          • absentrevision@lemm.eeEnglish
            2·
            18 hours ago

            I don’t, I use public WiFi and plan more. I use open street maps offline and have music etc. Saved locally

            It seemed daunting at first but now it’s just a way of life for me

              • absentrevision@lemm.eeEnglish
                1·
                6 hours ago

                Yeah I consider getting a silent.link esim paid with monero every now and then but I feel a lot better leaving it in perma airplane mode and not interacting with cell towers/stingrays at all.

                I could buy a sim with cash as well but if I wanted to maintain opsec I’d have to travel to another city every time I turn it on and that’s too much work for me atm