In the world we live in today, it seems practically impossible to keep up to date and relate to the people around you without providing personal data on online platforms such as social media. This becomes a major alert, especially for the way data is exposed, daily, on worldwide known and used platforms.

Given this scenario, a research called “Hacker Hotspots: The Apps Most Vulnerable to Cybercrime” carried out by TechShielder showed that 80% of the most popular apps collect data from messages of their users. The research also exposed the apps most likely to be hacked, so Facebook occupied the first position, followed by Instagram, and WhatsApp in third.

The way in which the data is exposed is a reflection, above all, of the speed of response that everyday situations require, as well as the way in which certain companies make it difficult to understand how they deal with their users’ personal data.

According to the research above, basic user information such as phone numbers and email addresses is accumulated, as well as confidential information through the use of cookies, technology that allows the installation of files on a user’s device, collecting certain information, including personal data.

The most important thing, however, is to understand that the culture of personal data protection is spreading, albeit slowly, helping everyone to be aware of their rights as citizens who own their personal data. In that regard, the Brazilian National Data Protection Authority (“ANPD”) recently launched, in accordance with the Brazilian General Personal Data Protection Law (“LGPD”), an orientation guide on the use of cookies and personal data protection. The document’s primary objective is to guide on good practices in the use of cookies, thus providing greater transparency for the website and/or application user.

For more information on how to keep your company in compliance with the LGPD, contact Peduti Advogados.

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Author: Caroline Muniz, Junior Associate at Peduti Advogados

Source: Report: 80% of popular mobile apps collect data on your messages; Hacker Hotspots: The Apps Most Vulnerable to Cybercrime; ANPD lança guia orientativo “Cookies e Proteção de Dados Pessoais”.

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“If you want to learn more about this topic, contact the author or the managing partner, Dr. Cesar Peduti Filho.”

“Se quiser saber mais sobre este tema, contate o autor ou o Dr. Cesar Peduti Filho.”