When an app on my phone requests permission for my location, I deny it. If it is a requirement, I’ll usually delete the app altogether (other than Apple Maps, which needs my location for obvious reasons).
When I first started noticing location trackers, I thought “Why does this app need to know my location?”
I don’t ask that question anymore. I know the answer- they want to push ads to me, sell my location information and gather personal data on me to sell to others.
Occasionally, I want to access Facebook, instagram or twitter to reach customer support, check a niche user group or see a picture. I’ll create an account using Apple’s “hide my email” to preserve my anonymity. But all three of these then insist on providing my mobile number for “verification”. I refuse and delete the app without ever logging in.
I know why they want my number.
I am not naive enough to believe I cannot be tracked. My phone is with me most of the time and it pings cell towers. Meta data that’s purportedly anonymous can easily be linked to my own personal information and device.
Plus, I tend to go to the same places, follow the same routes and see the same people everyday. I’m a creature of habit.
If someone wanted a detailed accounting of my whereabouts, it would not be hard to put together.
But as for the App companies, they can go f*** themselves. I’ll try my best to not make it easy for them.