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Apps Hijacked to Spy on Your Location

 

Many of us are aware that apps collect data, but do you know what happens to that information? Some companies sell it, others use it for targeted ads, or to help you connect with nearby users. However, there are even more ways this data can be used. In a troubling situation, hackers have gained access to the data collected by thousands of apps, and they are threatening to release it to the public. This data includes personal information like customer lists, details about businesses, and even location history gathered from smartphones.

According to a report from 404Media, the hackers have warned that millions of users' personal data has been compromised. They gave Gravy Analytics, the company collecting this data, just 24 hours to respond before they begin releasing it. Gravy's subsidiary, Venntel, has previously sold similar data to the U.S. government for immigration-related operations at the border.

Wired published a list of thousands of apps that collected this data, including popular apps such as:

  • Candy Crush
  • Tinder
  • Grindr
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • My Period Calendar & Tracker
  • MyFitnessPal
  • MyAnimeList
  • Goat Simulator
  • Bloons TD Battles
A full list of affected apps is available in the below.


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