Connect with us

Technology

Google warning: Free phone trick exposes the apps quietly tracking you

MANY apps are quietly tracking what you do on your phone and some people aren’t even aware it’s happening.

But a useful free trick reveals exactly who is lurking in the background.

AlamyMore and more people are turning to DuckDuckGo[/caption]

This sort of tracking isn’t nefarious – it’s non-identifiable crumbs of data used for apps to create targeted adverts for the most part.

That doesn’t mean you should put up with it if you’d rather not though.

Privacy warriors DuckDuckGo consider tracking “creepy”.

So they came up with a clever way to expose the apps doing it.

Read more about Android

PHONE ALERT

Warning for Android users over virus that lets scammers your intercept calls

LISTEN UP

Apple and Android warning over virtual assistants ‘recording everything you say’

DuckDuckGo started out as an anti-tracking search engine rival to Google, but in 2013 it went all out with a web browser for Android as well.

More recently, the firm added a tool within the browser that shows who tracks you – and how to block them.

How to see which apps are tracking you on your phone

First, you’ll need to download the DuckDuckGo app from the Google Play Store.


Once it’s installed, find the main menu and tap Settings.

Scroll to the bottom and you’ll see App Tracking Protection.

It’s important to remember, this feature is still in beta testing at the moment but is still useful to have.

You’ll see a prompt to Join the Private Waitlist.

According to ZDNet, it shouldn’t take too long to be accepted.

Read More on The Sun

ROLL WITH HIP

I need hip replacement but I’d rather be in a wheelchair, says Liam Gallagher

LET LOOSE

Huge row erupts on Loose Women over Meghan and Harry returning to UK for Jubilee

Once it’s been accepted, App Tracking Protection will have an on/off switch – make sure it’s on.

Now you’ll be able to see a full list of tracking activity that has been blocked.

DuckDuckGo sets itself apart from Google’s Chrome which allows trackers

Read the latest stories for PS5 Keep up-to-date with all the Xbox newsRead the latest gaming news

Best Phone and Gadget tips and hacks

Looking for tips and hacks for your phone? Want to find those secret features within social media apps? We have you covered…

How to get your deleted Instagram photos back
How to track someone on Google Maps
How can I increase my Snapchat score?
How can I change my Facebook password?
How can I do a duet on TikTok?
Here’s how to see if your Gmail has been hacked
How can I change my Amazon Alexa voice in seconds?
What is dating app Bumble?
How can I test my broadband internet speed?
Here’s how to find your Sky TV remote in SECONDS

We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online Tech & Science team? Email us at tech@the-sun.co.uk

Exit mobile version