Experta en ciberseguridad: 9 Apps que Borré de Mi Móvil para Estar Más Segura

What Apps Did I Delete for Better Privacy?

Introduction to App Deletion

• The speaker deleted nine apps from her mobile device six months ago, significantly reducing the data companies could collect about her.

• She aims to share which apps she removed, the reasons behind these decisions as a criminologist specializing in cybersecurity, and what alternatives she now uses.

Data Protection Concerns

• A report by the Spanish Agency for Data Protection revealed a 157% increase in fines related to personal data breaches within a year, totaling nearly 20 million euros.

• The speaker emphasizes that many of these fines are linked to commonly used mobile applications.

The Nine Apps Deleted

App #9: TikTok

• TikTok is highlighted as the most addictive app and has been banned on all corporate devices by several serious governments due to privacy concerns.

• The app tracks user engagement with extreme precision, raising concerns about cultural manipulation through collected data.

App #8: Temu

• Temu is criticized for excessive permission requests and its ties to Chinese legislation requiring companies to provide information to the government.

• The speaker decided against using Temu despite its low prices due to privacy risks associated with its parent company.

App #7: Globo

• Globo faced significant fines for violating GDPR regulations and failing to protect user data adequately.

• The speaker questions who else might access sensitive information if it’s not properly protected by such companies.

App #6: CapCut

• CapCut processes video edits on external servers owned by ByteDance (the same owner as TikTok), raising privacy issues regarding uploaded content.

• User data, including biometric information, can be linked permanently to accounts when using this app.

Emerging Solutions in Cybersecurity

Introducing Vivalk

• Vivalk is presented as a new cybersecurity application designed to alert users about potential scams before they occur.

• It allows users to verify links and websites while providing personalized alerts about threats.

Additional Notable Apps Removed

App #5: Tinder

• Tinder was found guilty of applying automated pricing without informing users, violating European consumer laws.

• The app collects intimate user data that contributes to detailed psychological profiles.

App #4: Turbo VPN

• Free VPN services like Turbo VPN may compromise user security by routing traffic through potentially dangerous servers owned by sanctioned entities.

Unexpected Risks from Common Applications

App #3: Accuweather

• Accuweather was found collecting location data even when users opted out, violating consent principles.

App #2: ShareIt

• ShareIt poses critical vulnerabilities allowing attackers access via WiFi networks while also sending usage logs back to China.

The Most Invasive Application

Messenger's Privacy Issues

• Messenger collects an extensive range of sensitive personal data and has historically requested permissions beyond messaging functionalities.

• Alternatives like WhatsApp or Signal are recommended due to their stronger encryption practices compared with Messenger.

• Despite being part of Meta's ecosystem, WhatsApp offers features that enhance user privacy which led the speaker not to delete it entirely.

Final Thoughts on Mobile Security Practices

• Users should regularly evaluate installed applications based on their necessity and permissions required; any app asking for unnecessary permissions should be uninstalled.