Does anyone like robocalls? Surely the answer is no. The computerized autodialed calls that deliver a pre-recorded message are annoying and an invasion of privacy. Listen up, because security researchers have discovered that if you use an app to block robocalls, you are setting yourself up to have your privacy invaded even more.
Nothing in life is free, and if you use a free app to block robocalls that is especially true. As CNet recently reported, a number of the iOS App Store’s most popular robocalling apps are harvesting user data and selling them to analytics companies. These companies then sell your data to advertisers and marketers – which could include even more robocallers!
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It was only after thoroughly reading the privacy policies of these applications, and noticing their wording granted consent to user data in exchange for the services provided, was this knowledge completely understood.
Currently, the top robocall app on the iOS Store is TrapCall. The app was found to be sharing users’ phone numbers with third party analytic companies by uploading the data in the background, and therefore the privacy policy didn’t state it was occurring. TrapCall’s privacy policy has since been updated to disclose that it shares data with third parties.
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If you’re wondering why a free app might capture your data, it is because they still need to make money to thrive. This has lead industry insiders and analysts to view the users themselves as the product being sold.
The buyers are typically third parties that have a vested interest in gathering demographic data. Some of the buyers are even robocallers.
For now, it’s safe to say that there isn’t much that can be done about data harvesting in free robocall blockers. If you don’t mind having your data harvested to block robocalls then you should be fine. Otherwise, deleting apps like Hiya, Truecaller, and TrapCall might be your best bet.
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Another sensible option might be switching to a paid app where the user fees provide a revenue flow for developers. They will most likely depend less on third parties to generate their bottom line. However, make sure to read the privacy policy thoroughly before you download the app. Otherwise, you may end up right back where you started.
