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Abstract urban financial structure analysis of big data - Designed by GarryKillian / Freepik
Abstract urban financial structure analysis of big data - Designed by GarryKillian / Freepik

Real-time adverts are a way for developers (including me) to monetise their apps but theres a problem that has been highlighted by a recent hack.

Thousands of apps location data including detailed device and location data for real-time adverts aggregated by location data brokers has been hacked.

Protecting your personal data is vital given that we are reliant on mobile devices so much that we alwys have them with us. Sharing your iPhone’s location with third parties may seem harmless, but it exposes you to a complex web of surveillance and exploitation. Location tracking is a lucrative tool for ad networks, enabling them to target you with precision through real-time bidding systems. These platforms auction your data including your location, IP address, and device information in milliseconds, perhaps without your explicit consent. Any app which serves adverts uses ad brokers to determine which adverts to serve.

Beyond advertising, data brokers collect and monetise your movements, creating detailed profiles that are sold to various entities. This practice undermines your privacy & security, leaving you vulnerable to exploitation or unauthorised access. Even more concerning is how governments may access this information through direct requests or indirect purchases from third parties, raising significant concerns about overreach and surveillance.

Understanding the hidden implications of sharing your location empowers you to make informed decisions. Remember, once your data is in the hands of third parties, reclaiming control becomes nearly impossible. Protecting your privacy & security begins with vigilance and a commitment to limiting unnecessary exposure.

TL:DR – To safeguard your location, disable location sharing for unnecessary apps and review permissions regularly

Turn off 'Allow Apps to Request to Track' 

  • Go to Settings, Privacy and Security and tap 'Tracking'
  • Make sure that 'Allow Apps to Request to Track' is off.
  • Thats it!
iPhone iOS 18.21 Privacy and Security
iPhone iOS 18.21 Tracking
iPhone iOS 18.21 Tracking

Why bother? This is just a theoretical risk.

Not really. On January 5th 2025, Wired, in partnership with 404 media reported that thousands of apps using location bidding services had their detailed data exposed.

"The thousands of apps, included in hacked files from location data company Gravy Analytics, include everything from games like Candy Crush and dating apps like Tinder to pregnancy tracking and religious prayer apps across both Android and iOS. Because much of the collection is occurring through the advertising ecosystem—not code developed by the app creators themselves—this data collection is likely happening without users’ or even app developers’ knowledge."

So it would seem best to change that setting on iOS. Android users, well its not so simple.

Location image Designed by GarryKillian / Freepik

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Licences, trademarks, source code licences and attributions

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