An investigation by Which? revealed that popular apps like Facebook and Instagram ask for risky permission levels to access personal data, sometimes unnecessarily. Researchers assessed 20 apps across various categories, discovering they collectively request 882 permissions if all are downloaded. This includes staggering amounts of personal information, with Xiaomi Home being the most permissive app requiring 91 permissions. Experts stress the importance of users being cautious and informed about permissions granted, emphasizing that many apps, though free, cost users their data in significant quantities.
Millions of us rely on apps each day to help with everything from keeping on top of our health and fitness to doing online shopping.
Our research has shown how users are in fact paying with their data - often in scarily vast quantities.
The 20 apps have been downloaded over 28 billion times worldwide, meaning the average UK adult is likely to have several of them on their phone.
If someone were to have all 20 downloaded on their device, collectively they would grant a staggering 882 permissions.
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