Bunch of gaming apps that are being downloaded on Android phones are being used to track television viewing habits. But the recent revelations about this have let to rise in privacy concerns
Bunch of gaming apps that are being downloaded on Android phones are being used to track television viewing habits. But the recent revelations about this have let to rise in privacy concerns.Commonly such aptness have been linked to the national security apparatus, but the activity is more widespread than previously believed.
Read more on: Blackberry Mobile Website Hacked and Inserted CoinhHive’s Code to Mine MoneroAccording to a report published by New York Times, company called Alphonso which is patterned with at least 250 android apps and also all major holding companies in the US, is collecting television viewing data for advertisers and has its software including in hundreds of gaming and application on play store. The software allows apps to use the microphone on a device to identify audio signals from TV ads, collect and share the data with companies for targeted advertising. The information is collected even when the app is not running or is in the pocket.According to Alphonso's CEO Ashish Chordia, it has even partnered with film studios to spy on people viewing habits in theatres.But at the same time company claims it does not record human speech.How to make out such appsAlthough the complete list of apps is not available, a search on play store with " Alphonso automated " keywords shows some of the apps such as Real Bowling Strike 10 pin, Casino coin rush, Highway racing.Also by mainly checking its listing page in the iOS app store or Google Play. It has to be disclosed in the main discretion, though it can be buried at the end of the text.To check on already downloaded apps for iOS, go into the main setting menu and tap on the app in question to see what it can access if that include microphone, it may be spying on youIn Android, open the settings app and then click apps under device subheading. Next, click on the gear icon in the upper-right corner and tap App permissions. Here you can see the permissions granted to the appWay to disable microphone access The earliest way is just to deny the permission as the app need to get your permission before recording the background.Else permission off option can also be found in the setting.
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