The Google Play Store is the virtual store for Android mobile phone users. All applications located there must report what is done with user data in the so-called security section.
Comparing their privacy descriptions, which vary depending on the app's usage model, the app should generally state the following:
- Whether the data will be shared with third parties or not.
- If the app collects user data
- A security measure that protects it (most of them use encryption).
Furthermore, depending on the chosen application, some allow users to request the deletion of their data. Not all, but most prominent applications offer this right.
The information can be found when the user locates their app and scrolls down a bit. The data security policy is located just above the user ratings and reviews.
Information from the Play Store is not 100% accurate.
According to a Mozilla study, supposedly, most of the so-called indicators of privacy It contains false or misleading information. Such discrepancies were reported in nearly 80% of the applications used.
The measure used to identify false or misleading information was based on the differences found between the official privacy policies of the applications.
The study used TikTok as an example. In TikTok's data security section on the Play Store, it states that data is not shared with third parties.
Mozilla investigated and compared this information with what is stated on TikTok's official page. It was discovered that, in fact, the data is shared with third parties. That is, with third-party service providers, cloud storage providers, measurement providers, analytics providers, and advertisers.
The study identified this as misleading or false information. As commented by Mozilla, users believe what is presented in the Play Store's security section. Therefore, users most likely wouldn't read the official policy because it only provides a brief summary that isn't 100% accurate.
Furthermore, the study identified several other points:
- 16 out of the 40 apps analyzed, or 40%, received a "Poor" rating, including social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook.
- 15 out of the 40 apps evaluated, or 37,5%, were rated as "Needs Improvement," including YouTube, Google Maps, Gmail, WhatsApp, and Instagram.
- Only 6 out of 40%, or 15%, received an "OK" rating. Most of them are mobile games: Candy Crush Saga, Google Play Games, Subway Surfers, Stickman Legends, Power Amp, and League of Stickman: 2020 Ninja.
What was proposed as the solution?
To solve the problem, the study's author states that both Google and Apple should adopt a universal and standardized data privacy system across their platforms.
It was also recommended that companies expand and explain their enforcement actions against non-compliant apps. Furthermore, they were advised to assume certain responsibilities to ensure the accuracy of the information provided by the app.
Since 2017, Mozilla has been focusing part of its research on the area of digital privacy and security.
Final conclusion regarding the data on the Play Store.
Studies of this type will continue to occur as the issue of privacy and security increasingly impacts business. In other words, such research inevitably reaches large companies, since their image is at stake.
In cases like this, the customer is always the most impacted. Some of the considerations outlined in data policies may not be implemented because they are not present in the app's official policy, which is a serious mistake.
