Tracking and keeping tabs on all that people is a big business. Just ask Google and Facebook whom both make billions from storing data and tracking your every move. Apple is also using data collection and it uses your iPhone and iPad to track your every move. These 5 things your iPhone uses to track you may surprise you.
With so much going on today, it is important to be on the lookout for any program, site, app or gadget which invades into your privacy. While some people may not really care, others do. The problem is that this information which is being stored, can be used against you later on. The info can be used in civil court and criminal cases once it is subpoenaed. Divorce lawyers love the plethora of info they can obtain from Apple iPhone accounts.
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Since so many users decide to post their personal information on social media sites anyway, companies feel they can infringe on your privacy. The problem with this tracking of your whereabouts is that advertisers will use that info to monitor all you do online. And you also have to be worried about hackers and phishing attacks. While Apple says that it lets their iPhones track their users to provide better service, some don’t really like the intrusiveness. Luckily, you can disable a few of the functions to stop this from happening. Below, are some of the ways your iPhone is tracking you and how what you can do to change it.
Location Services –
The name Location says it all because that is exactly what this means. When you have the Location services turned on – and even off – Apple will know exactly where you are, where you’d been and, most likely, where you will go. iPhone uses the location on your phone to track your every move. They say they do so to improve their maps services. However, most people are none too thrilled at being tracked.
To disable the locations from tracking you go to the Settings app. Next, select Privacy and then, click on Location Services. Scroll all the way down to where System Services is located. Once there, look for Frequent Locations. You can turn this feature off and clear the history as well.
Media You Have Shared With Others
You may not remember those images you sent to your ex a few months back. However, iPhone and Apple do. All of the photos, videos or files you may have shared with your contact are used by iPhone to track you. This all refers to media you may have sent via text. To disable this feature from tracking you, view the messages which are relevant. Then, click on the top-right corner of the info button.
The Step Count App
Chances are that Apple’s health app has been tracking your step count ever since you first got your smartphone. Keeping it in your bag may not provide the same accurate results as when the phone is in your pocket. Still, you can disable this app from tracking and counting your steps the following way. One, go to the Health app. Next, go to the Health Data screen and tap the Activity. Scroll down to where the Walking+Running Distance or Steps are.
The Metadata From Your Photos
Every Time you take a photo or record a video with your phone, a vast amount of information is obtained and recorded. The metadata from your media is kept by your phone and used to keep tabs on you. If you want to disable this, go to the Memories feature which is located in the Photos app. Once there, you can customize whatever info is kept and used to track you. You can always use apps or programs to wipe the EXIF metadata of your photos as well.
Your User Habits
Apple uses Siri as a way to help users the best way possible. But, this feature will also be used to keep tabs on you. Using apps to listen to music on your phone or anything else, is used by Apple to know where you are.
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On top of your iPhone recording all your whereabouts, there are also numerous apps which do the same. Most people don’t bother to look at the permissions asked by apps when they agree to use them. Be sure you know what permissions an application is asking for before you agree.
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