Language Learning Apps Collect a Lot of Data, But How They Use It Varies

Many of us have made peace with the fact that a treasure trove of our personal information is circling the web. But a recent data leak from the language learning app Duolingo has raised concerns about how much data these apps collect and how they use it.

A Surfshark cybersecurity study found that Duolingo collects 19 data points, including names, email addresses, and phone numbers. Of these, 13 data points are used for tracking purposes, such as purchase history, coarse location, and phone number. This makes Duolingo the undisputed champion of tracking among the language learning apps analyzed by Surfshark.

The second most data-hungry app on the list is Busuu, which collects 17 data points. However, only 6 data points are used for tracking. On the other end of the spectrum, EWA, HelloTalk, and Mondly collect only 5, 7, and 8 data points, respectively.

While the amount of data collected by language learning apps varies, it is important to note that many of these apps use this data to track users. This is often done by sharing user data with third-party advertisers or data brokers.

In the case of Duolingo, the company says that it uses tracking data to improve the user experience and to provide personalized advertising. However, some privacy experts are concerned that this data could also be used to build detailed profiles of users, which could then be sold to third parties.

It is important to read the privacy policies of language learning apps carefully before using them. This will help you understand what data is being collected and how it is being used. You can also adjust your privacy settings to limit the amount of data that is collected about you.

Here are some tips for protecting your privacy when using language learning apps:

Read the app’s privacy policy carefully.
Adjust your privacy settings to limit the amount of data that is collected about you.
Be careful about what information you share in the app.
Avoid using the app on public Wi-Fi networks.
Use a strong password and enable two-factor authentication for your account.

By following these tips, you can help to protect your privacy when using language learning apps.

Tiktok Owner Fires Intern Over Incident Linked to AI Project

How to Use Your iPhone 16 Camera Control as a Second Action Button

Best Time to Eat Dinner: Expert Insights

Amazon Employees Air Frustrations About Company Culture on LinkedIn

Mobile

iPhone SE 4: A major redesign with a new chassis, camera bump, and biometrics

by George Mensah 2023-10-01

The iPhone SE 4, codenamed Ghost, is expected to receive a major redesign with a new chassis, camera bump, and biometrics.

Chassis

The iPhone SE 4 will use a modified version of the iPhone 14 chassis, with two major changes:

Action button: A new multi-purpose button that replaces the mute switch on newer iPhone models. It can be configured to perform a variety of actions, depending on the user’s preference.
USB-C port: In order to comply with upcoming European Union regulations, the iPhone SE 4 will switch to a USB-C port instead of Lightning.

Camera bump

The camera bump on the iPhone SE 4 will be redesigned, with Apple reportedly developing at least five different designs. The exact design of the camera bump is still unclear, but it is expected to be similar to the third-generation iPhone SE in terms of size and placement.

Camera

Preliminary information suggests that the iPhone SE 4 may feature a 48-megapixel rear camera, which would be a significant upgrade from the current model’s 12-megapixel camera.

Biometrics

The iPhone SE 4 will not have a Touch ID home button, but will instead use Face ID for biometric identification. This is likely due to the fact that the new chassis is based on the iPhone 14, which also does not have a Touch ID home button.

In-house 5G modem

Apple is also working on an in-house 5G modem, codenamed Sinope. The iPhone SE 4 is being used to test the new modem, which is expected to debut with the iPhone 16 lineup. However, it is possible that the new modem could be released earlier, as it is currently being tested on the iPhone SE 4 and a derivative of the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Mass production

It is still early in the development process, so it is possible that the iPhone SE 4 may not make it to mass production. However, the amount of effort that Apple is putting into the design of the device suggests that it is serious about releasing it.

Overall

The iPhone SE 4 is shaping up to be a major upgrade from the current model. The new chassis, camera bump, and biometrics are all expected to be significant improvements. Additionally, the possibility of an in-house 5G modem could make the iPhone SE 4 even more attractive to consumers.

It is important to note that this information is preliminary and subject to change. However, it gives us a good idea of what to expect from the iPhone SE 4 when it is finally released.

Mobile

Google Launches Earthquake Alert System for Android Devices in India

by George Mensah 2023-09-27

Google has announced the launch of its earthquake alert system for Android devices in India. The system uses smartphone sensors such as accelerometers, which can act as small seismometers to detect tremors.

The system, developed in consultation with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the National Seismology Center (NSC), will provide early earthquake alerts for Android users in an area that’s likely to be impacted. These alerts will be available in local Indian languages supported by Android.

Google sends two types of alerts: Be Aware and Take Action.

Be Aware: These alerts are sent to users experiencing MMI 3 & 4 shaking during an earthquake of magnitude 4.5 or greater. They show an alert on the screen but don’t play any sound if the phone is on Do Not Disturb mode or in silent mode.
Take Action: These alerts are sent to users experiencing MMI 5+ shaking during an earthquake of 4.5 magnitude. They bypass the system’s notification settings, including Do No Disturb, and play a loud sound. The alert also suggests to users what action — such as taking cover under a table — they can take for safety.

Google detects a potential earthquake through many Android phones noting seismic activity in an area. The company claims that alerts often reach many seconds before shaking.

How to enable earthquake alerts on your Android device

To get earthquake alerts, you must:

Be using a phone with Android 5 or later and have Wi-Fi or cellular data connectivity.
Have the location settings enabled on your device.

To enable earthquake alerts:

Go to Settings > Safety & emergency and then Earthquake alerts.
Toggle on Get alerts.

Alternatively, you can also enable earthquake alerts through:

Go to Settings > Location > Advanced > Earthquake alerts.
Toggle on Get alerts.

Google’s AI-powered flood alerts

Google already issues AI-powered flood alerts to all Indian regions. The company began the flood alert pilot in Patna, the capital of the Indian state of Bihar, in 2018. Later, it expanded flood alerts to all of India in 2020.

Google’s earthquake alert system is a valuable addition to its disaster relief and safety efforts in India. It can help people stay safe and informed during earthquakes, which can be devastating.

Load More Posts