You probably not be aware of it, but your phone knows everything about your trips. If you do not want to be constantly tracked, it has every interest in deactivating a function when you don’t really need it.
In addition to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and 4G or 5G, all current smartphones are equipped with a GPS module. An electronic chip that offers various real -time geolocation services. If this function is necessary for certain useful applications, such as mapping and guidance services, it has significant risks in terms of privacy, allowing user movements to be followed
As a convenience, many leave the geolocation function of their telephone permanently activated, without necessarily being aware that all their movements and all the places they visit are therefore recorded. And the problem is that this extremely sensitive information does not remain wisely on their smartphone, but is often sold and used without their consent.
Because many applications, even the most harmless, discreetly collect these location data. A small tour in the telephone settings, in the section of the management of authorizations, also makes it possible to get an idea of the extent of the phenomenon, and often reserves some unpleasant surprises.
And behind these apparently harmless applications is actually hiding a very lucrative market for personal data. Because once collected, this information is then sold to data brokers, called “Data Brokers”. These intermediaries feed a vast advertising ecosystem, providing data to brands and advertisers, to disseminate targeted advertising.
But beyond advertising profiling, this “hidden” collection poses another problem. Because the geolocation data collected is very precise and can reveal sensitive information, such as daily habits, frequented places and even personal addresses. This intrusion into privacy can therefore have serious consequences in case of improper use or data leak.
To limit these risks and protect (a little) your privacy, the best habit to take is therefore simply to deactivate geolocation permanently, and to activate it only if necessary. Good news, on all phones this rocking takes place in just a few seconds. On Android for example, a simple scanning down on the home screen displays the fast action pane, in which is a simple button to activate or deactivate geolocation.
In addition to protecting privacy, the deactivation of rental services has another significant advantage: it improves the autonomy of the phone. Because geolocation permanently requests GPS, Wi-Fi and relay antennas, which significantly reduces the autonomy of the smartphone. Disable this function when it is not necessary is therefore a good habit of digital hygiene and a reflex to be taken on a daily basis.