Countless applications enter the Google Play Store every day. The game Protect scans them for harmful behavior, and the company removes pests. However, some slide by detection and access Android devices. Apparently legitimate titles are not exempt from malicious software. Cybercriminals exploit all opportunities to hide from the malicious code inside. While we are counting on applications daily, you can manage how much they affect your life. If you don’t know which ones to eliminate, here are the most notorious applications to uninstall now.
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Uninstall social media applications to recover your time and mental well-being. Instagram, Tiktok and X (formerly Twitter) are examples of platforms designed to allow you to scroll constantly. Their algorithms prioritize the commitment to significant content and collect personal data in the background. Facebook consumes memory and follows your activity on and out of the platform with pixels, cookies, trackers and plugins. However, abandoning social media is not easy.
You always need it to connect and network with people. Instead of stopping, change your settings. Applications generally have a confidentiality or related menu where you can manage the data they keep. If they do not, limit authorizations in the application info menu or access the website with a secure browser and a VPN. The websites are less entertaining without constant notifications, and you will not be tempted to check them so frequently. In addition, you can use the incognito mode and delete your browser data.
6
Tinder
No one is against finding love. However, on dating applications, be aware of the way you go. Tinder promises quick connections, but its problems make the research process more frustrating than carrying out. There are false statements and crooks manipulate your emotions for money. The algorithm prioritizes anyone who pays for premium services. Free users are stuck with lower visibility.
This apart, endless scanning and empty cats can be exhausting. If it seems familiar, it is time to remove the application. Meet people in person in reading clubs, pastime groups, meeting events, volunteer, fitness and skills acquisition lessons, etc. The real connections are more authentic, and there is a feeling of responsibility when you are face to face. These are things that a screen cannot capture.
5
UC browser
UC Browser has faced many security problems in almost a decade since its launch in 2014. A research group, Citizen Lab, reported them for personal user data in 2015.
Between this year and 2016, Malwarebytes reported it as a Trojan virus and a potentially undesirable program (PUP). The application has also been detected as advertising software in various cases. In 2017, Google prohibited the application and deleted it from the Play Store. However, if you do a quick search, you will see that it’s back. Avoid it because it can still engage in shaded practices.
4
Smaller
Truecaller is a psychic application that saves you unwanted calls. It identifies unknown numbers, blocks spam and allows you to see who is trying to reach you. Sometimes you receive notifications when someone considers your profile and is about to deal with you, giving you a chance to act quickly. Although useful, the application builds its massive caller identification database with your contact details, even if you have never used the application.
If your number is saved to someone else’s phone and use Truecaller, it is added to the database and public rendering. He is also arrogant and tries to take over as a default dialogue and SMS application. It is suspect because the application would have complete visibility in your newspapers and call messages. When an application requires more authorizations that it does reasonably need, they are red flags and you must question its real intentions.
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3
Vivavideo
Vivavideo is a famous video editing application that offers a range of effects. It has been a reference choice to create short videos and social media content for years. As irresistible as its creative content is, it has a doubtful story of behavior, including talent tactics.
Global Mobile Technology Company Upstream reports have identified more than 20 million suspicious mobile transactions in 2020. They could have led to millions of dollars in users. Vivavideo displayed announcements in the background that you could not see. Then Faked clicks on them to give the impression that you did it. Advertisers paid for these false clicks, believing that they were real.
2
QR and Barcode CTRO PRO
The quick response scanners (QR) read unique codes that appear as a square grid of black and white squares. They store website links and other information. They have become a common part of daily life, and you may have used one to scan menus in your favorite restaurant. It is normal to underestimate them, but they are far from harmless.
Users reported the QR Cost Cost Scanner application of Gamma Play as a scam on the Play Store. Opinions have exposed the way it redirects you to phishing sites that try to steal information from your credit card. Fortunately, you don’t need the application. Most Android phones have a scanner integrated into the camera application and Android software. It’s safer and more reliable.
1
Religious applications
Proofpoint, an American corporate cybersecurity company, did research in 2015 and found that game and flashlight applications transported questionable code. More surprisingly, many religious applications were among them. Some follow your activity and send it to several servers in various countries. Yeavers have been linked to the controversies of poor data management in the past and exposing minors to predators through its community. The creator also admitted the engineers of Google working to help manage the massive amounts of information they collect. The company already had a reputation for surveillance of users and violations of confidentiality.
Muslim Pro is another application that was faced with controversy in 2020 when the accusations criticized the creator to sell user location data to companies. They denied allegations and said they had ended relations with data brokers. Reading holy books is a way to exercise your faith. However, God should be the only one to keep track of your devotion. Consider switching to alternatives focused on confidentiality. If possible, respect a physical copy.
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Say goodbye to unnecessary applications
There is practically no application that does not collect your data. You cannot avoid it because some can use it to improve experiences. Health monitoring applications, for example, need your measures to provide specific information. However, for each summary, there is an alternative focused on privacy. If you use Gmail and worry about Google practices, go to Protonmail. If Chrome is your problem, try Firefox or Tor. Never jump on an application because of its criticisms or popularity. Look carefully at its data policies. If you notice something suspicious, don’t hesitate to leave.
