10 Stocking Secrets Tech Giants Don't Want You to know!

10 Shocking Secrets Tech Giants Don’t Want You to Know!

We all enjoy technology’s comfort in our lives. But did you know a few of the biggest technology companies have secrets that they don’t want to disclose? From underhanded information collection methodologies to contentious commercial strategies, below are 10 startling realities about Google, Apple, Facebook, and Amazon that will make you wonder about your future clicks!

1. Google Knows a lot About You

Do you know Google keeps a record of your queries, your location, even your purchasing behavior? Google claims it’s for your development, but it’s a big benefit for them in providing personalized advertisement – and not even with your consent!

2. Apple Doesn’t Truly "Care About Privacy" 

Apple boasts about being the technology corporation that considers your anonymity, but its App Store’s full of tracking software for your information. And, unbeknownst to many, Apple’s been sending your location information to its affiliates with no full disclosures. So much for your anonymity, isn’t it?

3. Facebook Makes Millions Selling Information About Yourself

Facebook’s model’s all about harvesting your private information and then providing it for advertisers to buy. There’s no denying that Facebook’s a data-focussed organisation, but what you don’t know is about the kind of information it possesses about yourself, even when you don’t have an account with them. It creates "shadow profiles" for tracking unregistered persons!

4. Amazon Tracks All Your Moves

Amazon has become the largest retailer in the world, but little do you know it tracks your clicks and purchases in an attempt to construct a massive profile of your habits. Amazon’s Alexa even records your voice, and records it for "improving" the service.

5. Microsoft Knows Where You're Not at Home

Microsoft Windows operating system keeps piles of data about its users. It records your typing behavior, web search, app usage, and even when you're not at your desk. It uses all that data to make your life convenient, but is it worth trading your anonymity?

6. Google Play Store Steals From You Your Information

Even with high standards for its level of discretion, Google’s Google Play Store has software programs that steal your information while you sleep. Experts have found many programs in Google’s Google Play Store gather your location and data about yourself and your life, and don't even notify you about it.

7. Snapchat’s Dog Filter is Hoarding Information

The adorable little face filter for Snapchat isn't for a joke – it’s actually gathering and storing information about your face, voice, and your life habits. Even though it claims to use it for improving its service, many use its service with reservations about its use and resale of data.

8. Google is Your "Assistant" (And It Doesn't Ask Permission)

Google Assistant isn't a virtual assistant – it's an information gatherer. Whether you're searching for weather information or setting a reminder, Google keeps gathering information to personalize its advertisement for you. All your voice searches will forever belong to Google.

9. Apple’s App Tracking Transparency is a Fraud

Apple informs you its App Tracking Transparency feature will protect your anonymity, but in practice, it’s a tool for getting more people to opt in for tracking. Once you opt in, then they can monitor your activity between programs and websites, with no transparency about what’s happening with your information.

 

10. Tech Giants Spy On You Through Your Webcam

Somewhere, you heard: your web cam can become hijacked and use it to spy on you. That’s correct, but Google and Facebook have even been spotted using your phone or computer camera for information harvesting with your explicit consent not even being solicited.

Final Thoughts

Though these technology companies provide tremendous service, they’re harvesting tremendous information about yourself. Do you think it’s worth it? Let us know in the comments!