Have you ever felt like you were being watched? Not in the romantic, butterflies-in-your-stomach kind of way, but in the eerie, “someone knows I searched for wool socks at 2 am” kind of way.
Marrakech – Well, it’s not just you. Nsoft, a software solution provider, recently dove deep into privacy policies of popular apps, analyzing what data they collect, share, and why. Here’s what they found.
The most invasive social media apps
At the top of the list are Facebook Messenger, Instagram, and Threads — three Meta-owned platforms.
These apps collect an astounding 91.4% of your personal data, including contact details, location, and sensitive information.
Out of that, a staggering 68.6% is shared with third parties, often for targeted advertising purposes.
That means nearly seven out of every ten pieces of information you share are handed off to external companies.
Additionally, 85.7% of your data is used for analytics, allowing Meta to refine its strategies to better understand and target users.
From app functionality to product personalization, these platforms paint the picture of an ecosystem that thrives on knowing its users deeply.
Close behind is LinkedIn, the career networking platform. While less invasive than Meta’s apps, LinkedIn still collects 74.3% of your personal data for app functionality, including photos, audio data, and contact information.
Analytics purposes account for 68.6%, while 65.7% is used to tailor content and recommendations.
Notably, 37.1% of your personal information, including location and contact lists, is shared with third parties.
Amazon: The surprising shopper
Though primarily an online shopping platform, Amazon collects a significant amount of user data — 68.6%, to be exact.
This includes payment information, interaction data, and sensitive details needed for app functionality.
However, Amazon only shares 5.7% of this data with third parties, one of the lowest percentages in the ranking.
The bulk of your information remains within the app, primarily for personalizing your shopping experience and advertising.
TikTok: The ultimate go-to
TikTok, known for its short-form videos and global appeal, ranks seventh in terms of invasiveness.
The app collects 68.6% of your data, with 22.9% shared with third parties.
Compared to Meta’s platforms, this is relatively moderate. Despite the lower sharing rate, TikTok still gathers a significant amount of information for analytics and personalization, making it a central player in the data-sharing debate.
The apps that collect the least
On the other end of the spectrum are apps like WhatsApp Messenger, Telegram Messenger, and Snapchat.
WhatsApp and Telegram stand out for not sharing any personal data with third parties — a rarity in the current digital landscape.
However, both apps still collect 68.6% of your data for functionality and personalization purposes.
Snapchat is a bit more invasive, sharing 14.3% of user data while collecting the standard 68.6%.
Well…
As we continue to embrace digital solutions, understanding how your data is used — and by whom — becomes an essential part of navigating the modern world.
Whether you stick to less invasive platforms or continue using apps that prioritize functionality over privacy, the choice ultimately rests with you.
