Enable Location?
Author: Joshua Wilbourn and Jessica Wilbourn
"[Insert Application (App) Here] would like to use your location." Isn't that a common thing we all see in pop-ups on our phone or computer? And if you just click 'yes' without even thinking about it, do you know what you just agreed to?
Simply put, you are putting your security and privacy in the hands of that app or the person/company that wrote the app. It's up to you to determine your own protection and privacy and how much information you want to share. To accurately decide how much information you want to give out, you should understand why these companies are asking for it.
A good rule of thumb is if there isn't an obvious product or service being sold, then your data is what's being sold. There are very few, if any, truly "free" apps. You may determine that the benefit you get from your data being shared/sold is worth the advantages you gain from the app. Our goal is to educate you on the type of data collected and provide some tips on how to limit the amount of data you share.
LOCATION TRACKING
It's called locational data, tracing a phone or computer's physical location using its internal Global Positioning System or GPS. Apps, websites, or companies often request to track your GPS, so they have access to that information. Devices with location-tracking capabilities are constantly receiving location updates and store them in their data. While there are several options regarding this stored location, applications must request a person's data before accepting it. This request could happen when the application is installed or later in the process when using the application.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOU AS A USER?
It means that it depends on what app location services are enabled for. Say you're working as an Uber driver; you might use the locational data to track your trips but might be less willing to share your location when you're off the clock. This means that you enable Location Tracking while working, and then disable it when you are done.
But, there's still danger in that. Some apps have the need to access locational data, such as a route tracker or a map program, in which location services will need to be used to provide the services they are intended for. However, other applications may be utilizing location data without you knowing or understanding that you have consented, such as Facebook or Snapchat. It is vital to research the process of how and why those apps might be using your locational data.
GEOTAGGING
Geotagging might sound like a 'buzzword' or jargon, but really, it's pretty simple. Say you take a photo with your cell phone in a park. Your cell phone automatically places that photo's location in the metadata, a fancy term for hidden information within your photo file. This way, when you upload that photo to the internet, it automatically uploads the locational data. It can also be used in QR codes, text messages, apps, and more. This is just one example of how your locational information can be used.
Geotagging by itself is not necessarily concerning; if you share pictures of landmarks or well-known locations, there may be little to no harm in locational data being associated. However, it's more concerning when you take photos in your own home. By doing this, you are unintentionally running the risk of informing the bad guys of locations they should not be aware of. Could the pictures of something like your new TV become an alert for criminals who now know the make/model of your new TV and where it is located? Combine this with Geotagging of your location, and now they also know when you aren't home.
HOW CAN I PROTECT MYSELF AND MY DATA?
The first step to protect yourself is to understand: what are you looking for out of the app? What will they use my locational information for? Do they really need my location for me to use the app the way I want to? For example, if you're going to share a photo but not include the location, say 'no' to using your location on that app. But if you would like to track your daily steps, make sure you say 'yes' to "enable location option" when installing.
Not sure how to enable or disable the location option on your phone? Here are instructions for an iPhone and Android! If your device isn't listed below, try googling 'disable location information on [insert device here].
iOS Application
Go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services.
Make sure that Location Services is on.
Scroll down to find the app.
Tap the app and select an option:
Never | Prevents access to Location Services information.
Ask Next Time | This allows you to choose Always While Using App, Allow Once, or Don't Allow.
While Using the App | Allows access to Location Services only when the app or one of its features is visible on screen. If an app is set to While Using the App, you might see your status bar turn blue with a message that an app is actively using your location.
Always | Allows access to your location even when the app is in the background.
iOS Device
Go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services.
Press the green (if enabled) location services sider on the right side.
Android Application
Go to Settings.
Tap on “Apps & notifications.” Open the Advanced heading and look for “App permissions.”
Tap on Location. You’ll find here a list of all your current apps with a toggle showing whether they have location tracking activated. You can go down the list and toggle off any that you want to (or toggle them back on if it proves to be an issue).
Android Device
Go to Settings > Security & location
Look for the Privacy subhead, and select Location
Find the “Use location” feature at the top and toggle it off