We all love a freebie.
From supermarket samples to those mystery pens you pick up at events, “free” just feels good.
So when the app store flashes up FREE DOWNLOAD, we hit that button faster than a seagull spots chips.
But here’s the truth:
If you’re not paying with money, you’re paying with something else.
And in the world of apps, that “something else” is usually… you.
The Hidden Business Model Behind “Free” Apps
Most free apps aren’t built out of kindness or community spirit. They’re businesses, and they have bills to pay. So if they’re not charging you, they’re charging someone else for access to your data.
That might include:
• Your habits (when, where, and how you use the app)
• Your location (tracked through GPS or even Wi-Fi signals)
• Your contacts (names, emails, phone numbers in your address book)
• Your clicks and taps (what you like, search for, and ignore)
This data is gold dust for advertisers, marketers, and—if it gets into the wrong hands—scammers.
Real Example – The “Innocent” Game App
Remember that cutesy flashlight app or those addictive puzzle games?
Some of them were caught quietly collecting:
• GPS location
• Device ID numbers
• Even microphone data
All so advertisers could build a detailed profile of you. In one famous case, an app was free to download but made millions selling location data to third parties.
Why You Should Care
You might be thinking:
“So what? I’ve got nothing to hide.”
But here’s the kicker:
• Data about you gets stitched together across different apps and platforms.
• That profile can be sold, traded, and stored for years.
• Once it’s out there, you can’t get it back.
That could mean more targeted scams, higher risk of identity theft, or just the creepy feeling of ads knowing what you searched before you even finish typing it.
Do This Today – Keep Your Data Where It Belongs
- Check app permissions
On your phone, see what each app has access to. If a calculator wants your location—big red flag. - Delete what you don’t use
Dormant apps can still collect data. If it’s gathering dust, bin it. - Opt for privacy-friendly alternatives
Search “[app type] open source” or “[app type] privacy focused” for options that don’t track you. - Think before you install
Ask yourself: Do I really need this? And if yes—what’s it costing me in data?
Key Takeaway
Free apps can be great. But remember—if it’s not costing you cash, it’s costing you privacy.
The real “payment” is often invisible, but it can have a much bigger impact than a £2.99 app fee.
At The Cyber Workshop, we unpack this stuff without the techno-waffle. Our Cyber Hygiene Workshop walks you through spotting data-hungry apps, tightening permissions, and staying in control—no matter how many “free” downloads you’ve got.
Because your data? That’s worth protecting.
Till next time,
Keep your chips away from seagulls—and your data away from dodgy apps.
