Everyone knows your location: tracking myself down through in-app ads (timsh.org)

Article summary

The article discusses how the author tracked their own location through in-app ads and discovered that many apps collect geolocation data without user consent. The author found that even with location services disabled, their IP address and location were still being leaked to third-party companies. The data is then sold to data brokers, who can provide it to anyone willing to pay. This raises concerns about privacy and the exploitation of personal data for profit.

Main themes

• Data privacy
• In-app advertising
• Location tracking
• Data brokerage
• Surveillance capitalism

What commenters say

• Some people believe that working on adtech or for companies like Meta is morally questionable and contributes to the exploitation of personal data.
• Others argue that developers need to make a living and that working on adtech or for big tech companies is a way to survive financially.
• There is a concern that the pursuit of profit in the tech industry leads to the exploitation of personal data and the erosion of privacy.
• Some commenters think that the phrase 'making the world better' is often used as a marketing gimmick by tech companies, while others believe that some companies genuinely aim to make a positive impact.
• The use of encrypted messaging apps is seen as a way to protect privacy, but some commenters question the motives of government agencies that promote their use while also seeking backdoors.
• There is a debate about the effectiveness of loyalty programs, with some seeing them as a legitimate way to reward customers and others viewing them as a means of tracking and exploiting personal data.
• Some commenters argue that the collection and sale of personal data is a threat to democracy and that those working in intelligence and law enforcement should act to protect citizens' privacy.
• Others believe that the situation is more complex and that there may be attempts to extend benevolence to citizens as a takeover looms.