Thread by @MollyMcKew

100% this. Don't get/use apps you don't need. There are a lot of diff categories.

1) apps for known entities --
Starbucks, McDonald's, Etc -- many are set up to exchange rewards/loyalty points for your data. Maybe you are ok with that, but be informed on that exchange /1

https://twitter.com/cwarzel/status/1151488961971273728

2) apps and games that are funny/useless/entertaining -- many, many of these are designed only as data backdoors. That is why they are free. Just don't, or check developer first.

3) apps that provide a location-based service -- brought range here, from your rideshare apps... /2

... That are valued by their data. There's a reason. Many of us need this convenience. But we are paying for the honor of forking over our data in troves. Yippee.

There are also loads of travel apps -- flight info, tourist info, airport apps Etc -- almost all of these... /3

... Are data harvesting. Some are written by hostile actors specifically to get access to your stuff. The GRU is aggressive about app development, for example. Fun times.

4) apps for an event/single use thing -- conferences, festivals, concerts etc love to develop --- /4

-- and require you to use, for access to schedules and maps Etc -- event apps. Many are built by outside developers who understand how to get access to your data. The events are unaware of this or may not even gain access -- but the developers do. Just go to the website /5

I won't even go into dating apps, which are nightmarish on data.

There are countless more examples, but the bottom line is: covet your data. Decide who can have it, in exchange for what services you really need. Don't install a bunch of apps that are gimmicky or pointless. /6

We all assume there is some level of vetting via the big app stores -- but not really on security or privacy. If only these were rated or required disclosures in the app descriptions. I doubt people would be eager to download apps that copy your photos or track you 24/7
/7