Renowned cybersecurity expert Zak Doffman is advising iPhone users to delete the Gmail app from their devices to protect their privacy. If you ask us, it’s not just the Gmail app. Other Google apps like Maps and YouTube also continually contribute to installing tracker systems on iOS devices. Usually, advertisers use the information gleaned from these trackers to push relevant ads.
Google’s Applications: Concern For Privacy
Doffman says that Google’s Gmail is a “privacy nightmare” compared to Apple’s native Mail app. Furthermore, an investigation from DuckDuckGo points out that over 75 million websites have Google’s tracking module installed. Google further uses these to sell ads on their search engine, and millions of other websites and apps.
Doffman also went on to say that the recent iOS update should push users to delete the Gmail app from their smartphones. This concern comes after Doffman found that over 70% of emails in a user’s inbox contained trackers that helped handlers identify user activity. Users then get more relevant advertisements after processing the collected data with the help of an algorithm.
The Solution? Use Apple’s Native Apps or Safari Web Browser
Cybersecurity experts suggest that you only install apps that you use on a daily basis. You can easily access many features the other applications provide via a web browser. Installing a VPN will also help you add another layer of security! Apple has time and again emphasised on the importance of privacy (even if it’s been a hit or miss sometimes), so using their native apps will be a step towards avoiding tracking.
So, are you one of the iPhone users deleting the Gmail app from your phone? Or will you take the risk?
