The increasing use of smartphones in our daily lives has sparked concerns about their impact on our privacy. Smartphone applications are designed to gather information about users’ tastes and preferences, allowing for targeted advertising. However, these apps also access personal information such as location, social networks, and search history, raising privacy concerns.
At an international meeting, Juan Carlos Yáñez-Luna made a startling revelation: smartphones can still listen to their surroundings even when turned off, as long as the battery is still functioning. This raises questions about who might have access to this information and how it could be used. The ethical and social impact of Information and Communication Technologies was also discussed at the meeting, with Juan emphasizing the importance of users being aware of what information they are uploading to their phones and how it could be used.
Cookies, which are files created by websites to improve the browsing experience, can also pose privacy risks by tracking users’ browsing history. To protect privacy online, users can choose to limit the use of cookies and reduce the personalization of their browsing experience. Following certain steps recommended by Google can help users improve their online privacy. It is crucial that individuals become informed about the potential privacy risks associated with using smartphones and engaging with online content so that they can make more informed decisions about their digital interactions and protect their privacy.
