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TRACKED DOWN

Worried about Google and Apple tracking your every move? A simple change to your location settings could stop them

As it's not entirely clear how they use your data you may want to think about switching it off

GOOGLE and Apple can track your every move - but there are ways to shut it down.

The tech giants may actually be using your location as a way to help improve apps, like finding directions.

 You can turn off your location data and tech experts have advised you may want to think about it
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You can turn off your location data and tech experts have advised you may want to think about itCredit: AP:Associated Press

But a number of companies can use your location data when it's enabled, according to reports.

And as it's not entirely clear how they use your data you may want to think about switching it off.

Paul Bischoff, privacy advocate at Comparitech.com, warned people to disabled the tracking services when they are not in use.

He told Fox News: "Companies use IP addresses, advertising IDs, and cookies to track users and store details about their online behaviors, browsing history, searches, purchases, viewing habits, and more.

How to turn off your tracking on your iPhone

  • Go to settings
  • Select privacy
  • Turn of the location services
  • You can also stop ad tracking by going to the privacy page under 'advertising' and you can turn on 'limit ad tracking'

He added: "The resulting ‘profiles’ sold to third parties might not have names attached, but they can be so specific as to only belong to a single person or small group of people."

"Remember that Google is a bit sneaky in this regard, as some apps collect location data even if your location history is disabled. You’ll have to turn off all tracking of web and app activity, which may impact how other Google apps function."

Apple may already give you reminders about tracking with warnings that apps may have been running in the background.

How to turn off your tracking on you Android and Google

  • On Android, go to the Settings icon on your phone and then tap “Security & location”
  • Under “Privacy,” tap “Location,” then tap “Use Location” and turn that off
  • As a further steop go to your Google My Account page and turn off “Location History”

Yesterday we revealed how Andriod phone owners are being warned over 22 dodgy apps that drain your battery life – and could land you with a big phone bill.

And in November, The Sun reported on dangerous apps that could steal your bank info and send fake texts.

And that same month, we shed light on 35 fake security apps in the Google Play Store.

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