These apps reveal communications with circles of contacts, health-related or other personal research queries, and a wide variety of intellectual and political interests. At times these apps request information from other apps, thereby heightening privacy risks. .
Privacy Policies are legal documents in which firms disclose the usage, gathering, and managing of clients or subscribers information. In the USA and Europe, every mobile app and website must have a privacy policy. These policies are crammed with tons of legal jargon, and can range anywhere from 144 -7,669 words, but carry an average of about 2,500 (McDonald & Cranor). That is enough pressure to force one in accepting the conditions of app developers without truly knowing their business practices. There should be better safeguard for consumers, such as a "Paperwork Reduction Act " on Privacy Policies. It would simplify for the average Joes of the world and provide users with info so they may make an informed decision. Ideally, a well-informed client is the best client. This is a firm principle if in not most, but all business transactions. .
Locational awareness in mobile devices is a feature that most people do not fully understand. There are numerous devices that carry GPS receivers; however, the most popular choice by consumers are mobile phones. In a 2012 study performed by the Pew Research Center: 74 % of Smartphone owners used their devices to get directions and other location related information, and that number was up from 55 % from May 2011. GPS technology is a staple on all Smartphone's, and I see it as a curse and godsend all in one. The Global Positioning System is a satellite navigation system comprised of twenty-four satellites placed in orbit by the U.S Dept of Defense, which owns, operates, and maintenances every aspect of the program.
In the 2006 case United States v. Skinner, the Drug Enforcement Agency, sought to identify a drug mule known as "Big Foot ".