The Big Picture
Most popular apps—including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter/X, LinkedIn, YouTube, Reddit, and Snapchat—collect far more data than you might realize. They use this information to build personal profiles, show targeted ads, and keep you on the app longer.
Check out this NBC News story and information below about data tracking and social media apps.
What You Should Know About Each App
Instagram & Facebook (Meta): According to pCloud data cited in the guide, these apps share the most user data with third parties (79% and 57%, respectively). They track activity across other websites using "pixels" and tracking tools, even if you don't have an account.
TikTok: Collects deep device data, including location, clipboard contents, search history, installed apps, and keystroke patterns. Concerns also remain over potential data sharing with the Chinese government, leading to bans on government devices.
Snapchat: Automatically collects location, device sensors, camera roll access, and contacts. Past security issues include employee misuse of internal tools to spy on user data.
YouTube (Google): Tracks watch history, search terms, locations, and activity across Google services. YouTube was previously fined $170M for illegally collecting data on children under 13.
Twitter / X: Gathers user activity, direct messages, and browsing history. It has suffered major data leaks exposing millions of email addresses and phone numbers.
Reddit: Collects activity logs, posts, location data based on IP, and browsing activity. It experienced a phish-based data breach in 2023 exposing internal systems.
Key Security Risks
Lack of Default Encryption: Most private messaging features (like Facebook Messenger, Instagram DMs, TikTok, Reddit, and Snapchat) do not use end-to-end encryption by default, meaning messages could potentially be accessed in data breaches or legal requests.
Data Breaches: Millions of user records (emails, phone numbers, location data) across nearly all major apps have been leaked online or scraped by third parties.
Action Steps for Teens & Parents
Audit App Permissions: Turn off precise location access, camera, microphone, and contact access when not strictly needed.
Adjust Privacy Settings: Opt out of targeted/personalized ads, turn off location tracking, and disable photo-tagging permissions.
Use Ad-Blockers & Browsing Controls: Use private browsing modes, clear cache/cookies regularly, and use ad-blockers or VPNs to reduce off-app tracking.
Limit Personal Exposure: Avoid sharing sensitive details like real full names, phone numbers, or home addresses on public profile bios.
Source: https://www.cyber.nj.gov/guidance-and-best-practices/social-media-security/social-media-apps