Dozens of iOS apps secretly collect location history for monetizing data, according to an analysis

According to a new GuardianApp report, "An increasing number of iOS applications have been used to secretly collect accurate location histories of tens of millions of mobile devices, using code provided by data monetization companies. run at any time, constantly sending GPS coordinates of the user and other information. "

The information collected includes Bluetooth LE beacon data, GPS latitude and longitude, Wi-Fi SSD, and BSSID, as well as information such as accelerometer data, battery performance, and battery charge status. , and even

GuardianApp lists 24 "confirmed" applications to send data to a third-party data monetization company, including: ASKfm: ask anonymous questions, Coach C25K 5K, Classifieds 2.0 Marketplace, ScanLife Code Scanner, Sherpa of coupons, GasBuddy, Homes.com, mobiletag, Moco, My Aurora Forecast, MyRadar NOAA weather radar, Parking PayByPhone, Perfect365, Photobucket, QuakeFeed Seismic Alerts, roadtrippers, ScoutLook Hunting, Coupon SnipSnap App, Tapatalk, The application of coupons, tunity, Live weather and YouMail.

GuardianApp also found RevealMobile monetization company's code on the applications of several local television channels owned by the Sinclair Broadcast Group, Tribune Broadcasting Company, LIN Television Corp., Gray Television Group and other broadcasters.

GuardianApp suggests using Apple Limit ad tracking feature to limit potential location sharing. The tool can be activated by navigating to Settings> Privacy> Advertising. In addition, vigilant users may select "Do not allow" when iOS location services popups instruct them to "view the privacy policy" or take similar action. The company also suggests using a generic name for the SSID of a home Wi-Fi router and turning off Bluetooth when it is not in use.

Earlier Friday, two important news stories were published on user data. Adware Doctor, formerly the main paid application of the Mac App Store, was removed after a security researcher revealed that it was exfiltering information about users in China, while a separate survey revealed other applications malicious in the Mac App Store.