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All posts tagged "privacy"


Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Cambridge University Wants Your Usage Data for Research

Posted by Craig Horlacher in "Android Software" @ 04:00 AM

http://www.droidmatters.com/news/ta...id-phone-usage/

"To participate in the research, all that you have to do is install Device Analyzer on your phone. The application collects usage statistics in the background while you use your phone. Personal identifiable data is stripped from the data that is collected and the data is periodically uploaded to the server at Cambridge University in the UK."

Over 1000 people have already downloaded and installed Device Analyzer on their Android device. What do you think about this? I actually think it's a cool idea and I'd love to see what can be learned by the data they collect. I would think it would be used, among other things, to improve the Android operating system by optimizing it for common usage scenarios. These days it seems to me that so many people are paranoid about their privacy. On one hand, we need to be wise and take some precautions to safeguard our personal data but on the other hand sometimes I wonder what people have to hide. Some of the things they plan to use the data they collect for are recommending phone plans and apps based on your current usage. They will also give you access to download and view your data at any time. You can even delete your data if you decide you're not comfortable with the program anymore. I'd love to heard what you think about this research project? Is it something you would take part in? Is this just asking for trouble, from a privacy standpoint, if you download and install this app? Have any of you tried it?


Thursday, April 7, 2011

Pandora and Other Smartphone Apps Under Investigation for Privacy Concerns

Posted by Kevin Jackson in "Android Software" @ 07:00 AM

http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/04/...martphone-apps/

"Apps collecting users' information without their knowledge may not be anything new, but it's not everyday we see things rise to the level of Federal Grand Jury investigation. That happened today, however, with Federal prosecutors in New Jersey launching a probe to determine whether smartphone apps have been collecting personal information like an individual's location without being suitably up front about it."

I could go on a rant about this, but suffice to say that the idea of the government being concerned over our privacy is almost laughable. Not to mention the fact that I'm sure they must have something better to do than to investigate apps. Face it, your information is out there for those who want to find it, already, and slapping a couple of warning labels on some smartphone apps isn't going to matter to most users.

Tags: privacy, apps, pandora

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Privacy Blocker Keeps Your Sensitive Information Private

Posted by Karey Westfall in "Android Software" @ 07:30 PM

http://www.droid-life.com/2011/03/0...ny-application/

"Over the last week or so, I've had the opportunity to test a new app called Privacy Blocker from Xeudoxus, one of the great developers in the Android community. All I can say is, that this app couldn't have come at a better time, especially after that DroidDream malware scare that took the Android world by storm over the last couple of weeks."

Ever wonder what information your phone's applications are accessing? Well, now you can know with Privacy Blocker from Xeudoxus. Plus, it will allow you to stop the apps from accessing that info if you think it's unnecessary. Two versions of the Privacy Blocker exist; one allows to you scan and fix the issues while the other version lets you just scan. And in this day and age, you can never be to careful about your private information so check out the Privacy Blocker to see what your phone knows about you!


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