• By  Faiza Mumtaz    08-Jun-2023 
•   162

Android users are facing potential risks due to a 'Google Mistake.' To mitigate the impact, immediate steps are necessary. This includes adjusting app permissions, managing location sharing, and disabling location tracking. By taking these precautions, users can enhance their data privacy and protect themselves from potential vulnerabilities.

Android users have received a strong recommendation to modify a particular setting that can safeguard their data from being collected by apps.

Earlier this year, a study conducted by researchers from Mozilla Firefox highlighted that several apps available on the Google Play Store were misleading users through their Data Safety labels.

The purpose of the Data Safety section on Google Play is to assist users in understanding the extent to which an app collects or shares their data. It aims to provide transparency regarding an app's privacy and security practices, empowering users to make informed decisions about app installations, as stated by Google on its webpage.

However, the study conducted by Mozilla revealed that certain apps were mislabeled in terms of their behavior and descriptions. The researchers examined the top 20 free and premium apps available on the Google Play Store at that time and identified some worrisome cases, including popular platforms like TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook, which were labeled by Google's Data Safety section as not sharing any information with third parties.

Google acknowledged that developers hold the responsibility for providing accurate and comprehensive information in their app's store listing on Google Play. Nevertheless, to assist users in safeguarding their data, Google has shared the following steps to be taken:

HOW TO STAY SAFE?

To ensure your safety and protect your data from unwanted collection, follow these steps:

Adjust App Permissions:

• Open your device's Settings.
• Navigate to Privacy or Permission Manager (location may vary based on your device).
• Tap on Permission Manager and select the permission you wish to modify.
• Choose an app from the list and tap on it.
• Select one of the following options: "Don't Allow," "Ask every time," or "Allow Only while using the app."

Manage Location Sharing for Apps:

• Open Settings on your device.
• Go to Apps & Notifications or Application Manager.
• Choose the desired app from the list and tap on it.
• Tap on Permissions.
• Look for the triple-dot icon located in the upper-right corner and tap on it.
• Click on "All Permissions."
• Locate the "Location" permission and toggle it on or off as per your preference.

Disable Location Tracking on Your Android Device:

• Open your device's Settings.
• Go to Security & Location or Location settings.
• Find the Privacy or Location section.
• Look for the "Use location" feature and toggle it off.

By following these steps, you can have better control over the permissions granted to apps, manage location sharing, and even disable location tracking entirely on your Android device.

These measures will help you stay safe and protect your data privacy.

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