In today’s digital age, it’s more important than ever to be aware of the data that major tech companies are collecting. A quick review of how companies like Google, Facebook (Meta), Amazon, Apple, and Twitter (X) gather and use your data, and with whom they share it. Here's a breakdown:
Google: The Data Giant
Google collects the most data among these companies. This includes:
Data Collection: Search terms, browsing history, YouTube videos, emails, stored documents, GPS location, and sensor data.
Personal Information: Phone numbers, payment details, email addresses, and content from emails/files.
Activity Tracking: Interactions with ads, purchases, and third-party site activity. Call/text data is also logged.
Third-Party Sharing: Data is shared with advertisers, publishers, and developers (often anonymized). Domain administrators for work/school accounts may also access some data.
Facebook: The Social Media Giant
Facebook (Meta) gathers vast amounts of personal and activity data:
Data Collection: Connections, messages, content interactions, metadata from photos/files.
Personal Information: Name, phone number, payment details, and email. No sensitive data like social security or driver’s license numbers.
Activity Tracking: Logs connections, messages, content engagement, and ad interactions. Uses device sensor data to track location.
Third-Party Sharing: Aggregated data is shared with advertisers, researchers, academics, and law enforcement, mainly for ad personalization and improving services.
Amazon: The E-Commerce Giant
Amazon’s data collection is heavily focused on your shopping habits:
Data Collection: Product searches, orders, reviews, IP address, browser type, and operating system. Mobile users' location data is also tracked via GPS.
Personal Information: Name, phone number, payment details, email, and even social security/driver’s license numbers in some cases.
Activity Tracking: Purchase history, Prime videos watched, search terms, and reviews.
Third-Party Sharing: Amazon collects data from third-party marketing partners and credit bureaus to personalize product recommendations and pricing.
Apple:
Apple stands out for its focus on privacy:
Data Collection
Personal Information: Apple collects data like names, emails, phone numbers, and payment details during the creation of an Apple ID or when you use their services.
Usage Data: When using Apple devices and services, Apple collects information such as device performance, app usage, crash reports, and system analytics. This helps improve services and user experiences.
Location Data: If location services are enabled, Apple may collect location information, primarily for services like Find My iPhone, Maps, and location-based recommendations.
App Store and iTunes Purchases: Data related to purchases and app downloads, including media preferences and purchase history, is also collected.
Privacy Focus: Apple obfuscates user information for privacy, making it a good company for data protection among those other Big-Tech companies reviewed. Apple is often recognized for its emphasis on privacy, but 180Vault takes it a step further.
180Vault: The Privacy Champion
180Vault stands out for its focus on total privacy:
Data Collection
At 180Vault, we collect only the minimum data necessary—because our business isn’t built on advertising or exploiting user information. Instead, we rely on people who value their privacy and want to support a company that shares their principles. By joining 180Vault and spreading the word, you help maintain a privacy-first ecosystem.
Privacy Focus
180Vault places your privacy at the forefront. Unlike other companies, we will never spy on your data or sell it to third parties. As a result, we’re proud to stand as the best choice for true data protection among all reviewed services.
Key Takeaways:
Google and Facebook collect vast amounts of data, primarily to personalize ads.
Amazon focuses on e-commerce-related data but collects significant personal and location information.
Apple is privacy-conscious, collecting minimal data but it still happens.
Most all companies share data with third parties, including advertisers and law enforcement (not 180Vault).
How to Protect Your Data:
Use 180Vault Private Cloud drive, email, calendar and office suite.
(its simple we don't violate your privacy in any why)
Use VPNs to mask your IP address and location.
Review privacy policies to understand what data is being collected and how it's used.
Limit data sharing by being cautious about the information you provide and the permissions you grant.
Use incognito mode for sensitive activities to reduce data tracking.
Staying informed and proactive can help you better manage your digital footprint and protect your privacy in the era of big tech.
Take back your privacy today
Comentários