The amount of data created, copied, captured, and consumed has been predicted to be more than 180 zettabytes by 2025 (source).
Can you imagine the amount of data there is out there? And, the actual figures could be way higher than the source forecast data.
Now, how do you think we consume, access or create the data on the web? Of course, with the help of tools and services that exist. And, the tools and services we use, collect some amount of data, right? The collection can include usage or activity data, and our personal information (like credit card to process payments).
While the data collected is needed for the services to function or improve, sometimes it can be misused or shared with advertisers and data brokers.
So, where do we draw the line? Can we stop data collection entirely? Or is it something that we require despite the consequences? In this article, I try to answer these questions by putting them against the most common areas where data collection happens.
Data Collection On Your Smartphones
Whether it is an iPhone or an Android, the manufacturer or the OS requires information like name, email address, location, and more to get started with the basic functionalities.
Even when you do not sign up for services like iCloud or have location turned off, phone manufacturers collect some form of data to be able to track you. Apple has been notoriously known for this.
But, it’s not just Apple, if you cannot remove your batteries, you can’t guarantee that they’ve been “unplugged” after shutting it down, right? 🤯
Occasionally, this helps you track your phone when needed. And, for some, it could be invasive.
Other than signing up or switching it off, anything else is recorded in some form. The interactions you have with the App Store or the Google Play Store, the options you use on your phone, activities like when you pick up the phone, unlock the lock screen, and lots more.
Plus, any apps that you use on your phone, including messengers, if you do not use a secure messaging app.
In other words, information about every interaction that you have with your smartphone can be collected, or (it already is), even if you opted out of “usage data collection” during setting up your device for the first time.
Websites You Visit
The websites you visit collect various amounts of data from your session.
For instance, I use Cloudflare’s web analytics to collect anonymous visitor data (where it doesn’t collect anything that identifies you).
I get information like — number of visitors, pages viewed, OS, and browser used at the moment.
There are thousands of web pages that are way more aggressive than just collecting simple visitor data, the ad networks, and various other dynamic elements collect click data and store numerous cookies on your browser.
Sure, you can use tracking blockers and various tools to prevent that. But it’s never a 100%.
You can refer to the online privacy guide linked below to minimize the data collection 😉
📰 Related Read: Online Privacy 101: Beginner’s Guide
Searching On The Internet
Google, DuckDuckGo, Startpage, every search engine collects some form of data.
Yes, Google’s data collection practices can have a personalized profile of your activity compared to other services. But, that’s not the point.
The most privacy-focused search engine also has to collect “anonymized form of data“. Without that, they cannot provide you a good user experience, they can’t know what’s working, what’s popular, what’s broken, and all sorts of things.
If a service really does not collect any data (null) — you will simply not get a good search experience, I will be willing to bet on it.
Browser That You’re On, Reading This Article Now
The browser that you’re using right now, whether it is open-source or proprietary, it is collecting some form of data.
The information on extensions you use, the number of extensions, bookmarks, and others are constantly collected (varies as per the browser). There can be an account you created to sync your browsing activity, and several other elements in the browser (if there are any service integrations).
And, the browser companies rely on this information to improve the user experience.
Yes, Data Collection is a Necessary Evil…
I would be a conspiracy theorist if I said all the above services and tools would operate the best if there would be no data collection.
That’s simply not true. Data collection is vital for these tools and companies for you to give a good user experience. Just like I need to know what kind of articles you read more (so I can write more of those/similar).
✉️ Also, if you would like to receive the first monthly newsletter next week (incl. interesting insights on privacy and security), sign up with your email ID to subscribe to InfoSec Paper Monthly newsletter (you can find it in the right sidebar or after the article below).
Having said that, two things that actually matter are:
- The data collection should not involve things that can personally identify you (unless explicit permission is taken).
- The companies/services should securely store the data, and should not sell them/share with them without the user’s consent.
If these two basic rules are followed properly by every other company on the planet, users will not have complaints regarding any form of data collection.
For instance, I would be happy if my favorite browser/app collected my usage stats to improve the experience. There are many users like me (and some willing to share more than that).
So, next time when you say “This company is evil because it collects data” — make sure you research what they do with the data, and what type of data do they collect. If it makes sense and sounds vital for their product to function better, it isn’t necessarily evil.
💬 Any thoughts to share about it? Feel free to let me know in the comments below!
