In today’s digital landscape, users often find themselves unwittingly surrendering vast amounts of personal data to various applications, many of which share this information with third parties. A recent report highlights the extent of data collection by popular apps, revealing alarming statistics that users may not be aware of. As technology evolves, understanding the implications of data privacy becomes more crucial than ever.
According to an article published on April 19, 2025, many widely used applications are not just collecting user data for their internal purposes but are also sharing it with external entities, often without users' explicit consent. This raises significant concerns about privacy and data security.
One of the most notorious offenders is Candy Crush Saga, which reportedly shares 8.6% of users' personal data with third parties. While many gaming apps collect data for analytics, Candy Crush goes further by allowing this data to be shared, which could be a reason for users to consider alternatives like Roblox or Monopoly GO!, both of which do not share personal data with outside parties.
Duolingo, a popular language-learning app, has also come under scrutiny for its data-sharing practices. The app, which aims to make learning engaging, collects a significant amount of personal information, sharing around 20% of it with third parties. Surfshark even dubbed Duolingo the "Undisputed Champion of Tracking" in 2023, reflecting the app's extensive data collection and sharing practices. Notably, Duolingo's privacy policy states it may share data with OpenAI, further complicating users' trust in the app.
Another app that has raised concerns is TikTok, known for its viral content and extensive user engagement. The platform collects a wide range of personal information, from phone models to real-time locations, and shares nearly 23% of this data with third parties. Users may not realize that TikTok also harvests content created within the app, including drafts and unsent messages, which adds another layer of privacy invasion.
Snapchat, with over 850 million monthly active users, is not far behind in terms of data sharing. The app reportedly shares approximately 14.3% of personal information with third parties. This includes everything users voluntarily share in their profiles, as well as metadata from messages and snaps, raising questions about how much control users truly have over their data.
X, formerly known as Twitter, has undergone significant changes in recent years, but its data practices remain concerning. The platform collects a staggering 28.6% of personal data and even tracks users' interactions with ads, monitoring every click and scroll. Moreover, X collects biometric data, raising serious questions about user consent and transparency regarding the use of this sensitive information.
Spotify, a leading music streaming service, also shares roughly 17% of user data with third-party partners. The app meticulously tracks users' listening habits, including what they listen to and when, which helps build detailed user profiles for targeted advertising.
Amazon, along with its Prime Video service, collects extensive data on users, including purchase history, viewing habits, and even aspects of users' credit history. Amazon sells around 5.7% of user data, while Prime Video shares a staggering 8.6%. This extensive data collection raises concerns about how much of users' personal lives are being monitored and monetized.
YouTube, another major player in the digital landscape, sells about 31.4% of the data it collects, which includes personal information such as location and search history. This data fuels Google's advertising ecosystem, further emphasizing the need for users to be aware of their digital footprint.
LinkedIn, the professional networking platform, collects a whopping 74.3% of user information, sharing 37% of that data with third parties. This includes not only the information users provide but also their IP addresses and browser details, which raises concerns about the extent of data collection in professional contexts.
Meta's suite of apps—Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, and Threads—stands out for its invasive data practices, collecting an astonishing 91.4% of personal data. These apps share 68.6% of this data with third parties, making them some of the most privacy-invasive apps available. Users often find themselves unwittingly sharing more information than they realize, especially when signing up for other services using their Facebook accounts.
While uninstalling all these apps might not be practical for most people, understanding the privacy risks associated with them is crucial. Users can take proactive steps to limit data sharing, such as adjusting privacy settings or opting for alternative applications that prioritize user privacy.
In a related development, some users of ChatGPT have expressed discomfort with the chatbot's recent behavior of addressing them by name without prompting. This feature, which some users find "creepy," has sparked discussions about privacy and user experience. OpenAI recently introduced an update to ChatGPT's Memory feature, which allows the chatbot to remember user interactions. While this aims to enhance user experience, it has also raised concerns about data retention and privacy.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has stated that users can opt out of the memory feature if they choose, but the very existence of such a feature highlights the ongoing tension between user convenience and privacy. As technology continues to evolve, the need for clear communication about data practices and user rights becomes increasingly important.
In conclusion, as users navigate the digital landscape, awareness of data privacy and security is paramount. With many apps collecting and sharing personal information, understanding the implications of these practices can help users make informed decisions about their digital presence. By prioritizing privacy and advocating for transparency, individuals can better protect themselves in an increasingly interconnected world.
