Android’s Unwanted Guests: Cookies, Trackers, and the Struggle for Privacy
Android users, brace yourselves! According to research by Doug Leith, your device is a bustling hub of advertising cookies and trackers, like the DSID cookie, working tirelessly to build profiles on you before you even open your first app. And guess what? There’s no asking for your permission or the option to opt out.
Hot Take:
Android users, brace yourselves! It turns out that your dear old smartphone might be more interested in your personal data than you are in your morning coffee. If you’ve ever felt like you’re living in a reality TV show where Google is the ever-watchful producer, you’re not far off. Who needs drama when you’ve got cookies and trackers tagging along for the ride?
Key Points:
– Research by Doug Leith reveals Android devices collect user data even before apps are opened.
– No consent is required for data collection via identifiers like the DSID cookie and Google Android ID.
– Google Play Services and pre-installed apps relay data back to Google without user interaction.
– Google’s response to the research emphasizes compliance with privacy laws, but not much else.
– Users are frustrated with Android’s SafetyCore feature, which also lacks an opt-out option.