Location tracking: 40,000 apps secretly collect data

In today's digital world Location tracking omnipresent. Many smartphone users are unaware that their favorite apps are secretly collecting their location data. A recent study has revealed alarming figures: over 40,000 applications track our movements without our knowledge.

The scale of this problem is frightening. One data trader had 380 million location data records from 137 countries. Around 13 million of this came from Germany alone. Popular apps such as Wetter Online, Focus Online and Kleinanzeigen located their users with alarming accuracy.

The GPS tracking is not limited to just a few apps. In 2021, a single company, Adsquare, offered targeting for 650,000 different audience segments. German providers accounted for more than 25,000 of these segments. These figures illustrate how widespread and lucrative the business with our location data is.

It is important to understand how Location tracking works and what impact it can have on our privacy. In the following sections, we will dive deeper into this topic and show you ways in which you can better protect your data.

Important findings

• Over 40,000 apps secretly collect location data
• 380 million location data from 137 countries were found at a data trader
• 13 million location data originate from Germany
• Popular apps such as Wetter Online and Focus Online track users precisely
• One company offered targeting for 650,000 audience segments in 2021
• German providers account for more than 25,000 targeting segments

Introduction to location tracking

Location tracking is a technology that is used in many apps. It enables the Real-time tracking of devices and people. Over 40,000 applications secretly collect location data on mobile devices. This raises questions about privacy and data protection.

What is location tracking?

Location tracking is the collection and recording of position data of a device or person. This technology uses various methods to Positioningsuch as GPS, WLAN or cell phone positioning. The collected data can be used for various purposes.

How does location tracking work?

The functionality of location tracking is based on several technologies:

• GPS: Uses satellite signals to determine your exact location
• WLAN triangulation: Determines the location based on WLAN networks in the vicinity
• Mobile phone cell location: Uses mobile phone masts for rough Positioning

Possible applications of location tracking

Location tracking is used in many areas:

The variety of applications shows how widespread location tracking is. Users should be aware of data collection and check their privacy settings regularly.

The spread of location tracking in apps

Location tracking is widespread in the app world. An alarming number of over 40,000 applications secretly collect users' location data. This raises questions about privacy and data protection.

Statistics on the use of location data

A comprehensive study investigated the collection of location data. Sixty-nine test subjects were used and 200,000 tracked locations were analyzed. The results show that apps can draw conclusions about individual and demographic data from almost 5,000 pieces of personal information.

Popular app categories with location tracking

News apps and those aimed at children in particular are often equipped with numerous third-party trackers. Technologies such as Geofencing and Radio cell tracking enable users to be located precisely.

Reasons for collecting position data

There are many reasons for collecting location data. In addition to improving services, companies often use this information for advertising purposes. Users consider particularly sensitive data such as health status, socio-economic situation and religious affiliation to be critical.

Alphabet (Google) receives data from 88 % of the apps via various utilities, including advertising and traffic analysis.

The cross-border phenomenon of tracking by third-party providers poses an additional challenge. Many trackers operate outside the EU, which makes data protection even more difficult.

Data protection and location tracking

In the modern world of fleet management and Pedestrian detection location tracking plays a central role. However, the collection of location data raises important questions about data protection.

Legal situation in Germany

The legal situation in Germany is clear: GPS data is considered personal data if it can be assigned to a specific person. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) strictly regulates the handling of this data. Companies must weigh up interests and ensure that consent is voluntary.

Data protection provisions of apps

Apps with location tracking must have transparent data protection provisions. Users have the right to view and delete their data. On iPhones, these options can be found under "Settings" > "Privacy" > "Location Services". Google users can manage their location history under "My account".

Risks associated with the use of tracking apps

The use of tracking apps harbors risks. Over 40,000 applications secretly collect location data. This can be used to create detailed movement profiles. Even anonymized data often allows conclusions to be drawn about individuals. Companies should therefore:

• Limit GPS tracking to what is operationally necessary
• Offer a deactivation option for private use
• Encrypt data and manage it according to the "need-to-know" principle
• Limit the storage period to a minimum

Positive aspects of location tracking

Despite data protection concerns, location tracking offers numerous advantages for users and companies. The technology enables an improved user experience, localized offers and important security functions.

Improved user experience

Location tracking allows apps to offer personalized services. Local content loads faster, which makes operation more convenient. With the Employee tracking Helps GPS tracking companies to optimize routes and use resources more efficiently.

Localized offers and recommendations

Users benefit from tailored recommendations for restaurants, stores or services in their area. This makes everyday life easier and saves time when searching for suitable offers.

Emergency and safety functions

Location tracking is particularly valuable in emergencies. Emergency services can respond more quickly if the exact location is known. With the Object tracking lost devices can be found more easily, which prevents data loss and misuse.

Despite the advantages, users should be careful with their location data and only grant the necessary authorizations. A balanced approach to the technology makes it possible to utilize the positive aspects and protect privacy at the same time.

Negative aspects and concerns

Location tracking and GPS tracking have considerable risks as well as benefits. The downsides of these technologies raise important questions that concern both users and legislators.

Misuse of location data

The risk of location data being misused is real. Over 40,000 applications secretly collect location data. Criminals could use this information for burglary or stalking. Companies often use the data for targeted advertising, which violates users' privacy.

Lack of transparency in the use of data

Many apps conceal how they use location data. One example is the Bremen data protection authority, which imposed a fine in the low five-figure range. The company in question continuously tracked vehicles for three years, although this was not necessary for an electronic logbook.

Psychological effects on users

Constant tracking can cause stress and a feeling of being monitored. This can affect children's self-confidence and sense of responsibility. Educators warn against excessive parental control. A study shows that over-reliance on GPS trackers does not always support parents' sense of security.

In view of these concerns, the EU is considering a ban on personalized advertising. This could severely restrict the use of location data for marketing purposes and improve data protection.

How apps deal with location tracking

Apps use various methods to Real-time tracking and Positioning. Responsible handling of location data is crucial for user trust and data protection.

Consent and user information

Reputable apps obtain the express consent of users before collecting location data. They provide clear information about the purpose of data use and give control over the settings. Since 2021, iOS users have had to actively consent to tracking, Android followed in 2024 with similar regulations.

Technical implementation of location services

The technical implementation of location services varies. Some apps use GPS for precise positioning, others rely on WLAN or mobile phone data. Advanced systems combine different methods for accurate Real-time tracking.

Examples of responsible apps

Some apps show exemplary handling of location data:

• Weather apps: Use location data only for local forecasts
• Navigation apps: Offer offline options for determining your position
• Fitness apps: Allow selective tracking during activities

These apps give users the option of controlling location sharing and deleting data.

Through transparent practices and user controls, responsible apps create trust in real-time tracking. They show that location tracking and data protection are compatible.

Current trends in location tracking

The world of location tracking is developing rapidly. New technologies such as Geofencing and Radio cell tracking are revolutionizing the way we use location data. With over 40,000 apps secretly collecting location data, it is clear how important this technology has become.

Developments in technology

Advances in GPS technology enable greater accuracy and reliability. The miniaturization of GPS devices and the use of more powerful components are driving development forward. In addition, 5G technology enables faster data transmission, which improves real-time tracking.

Integration of artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence is playing an increasingly important role in location tracking. AI systems can predict device damage and identify security risks. In combination with edge computing, this enables real-time processing of data, which is particularly important for logistics and Fleet management is of importance.

The future of location tracking

The global asset tracking market is growing rapidly. Forecasts show growth from USD 23.42 billion in 2024 to USD 59.64 billion in 2032. This development is being driven by the increasing use of IoT technologies and 5G networks. Geofencing and Radio cell tracking will play an even greater role in the future, particularly in areas such as agriculture, tourism and healthcare.

Alternatives to location tracking

At a time when over 40,000 apps are secretly collecting location data, many users are looking for alternatives to location tracking. There are various ways to use apps without constantly revealing your location.

Anonymous use of apps

One option is the anonymous use of apps. Many applications also work without logging in or with restricted authorizations. With the Pedestrian detection or in the Fleet management however, this can impair functionality.

Offline navigation solutions

Offline navigation solutions offer an alternative for those who want to protect their location data. These apps download map material in advance and enable navigation without a constant internet connection. This is particularly useful when traveling abroad or in areas with poor network reception.

Opt-out options and their meaning

Many apps and operating systems offer opt-out options. These allow users to limit or completely deactivate the collection of location data. In the Fleet management such options can be important to protect the privacy of employees.

It is important to note that some functions such as the Pedestrian detection may be restricted if location data is not available. Users should therefore carefully consider which data they wish to release for which purposes.

Best practices for users

In the world of Employee tracking and Object tracking it is important that users protect their privacy. Over 40,000 apps secretly collect location data. This shows how urgently we need to protect our data.

Tips for safe handling of location tracking

Consistently reject tracking and advertising banners. Use tracking and ad blockers to protect your data. Remember that many of these tools only work for websites, not for apps. With the Object tracking GPS is the standard procedure in logistics. You should be particularly careful here.

Important settings in apps

Regularly check the privacy settings of your apps. Switch off the Mobile Advertising ID (MAID), which is active by default on many devices. With the Employee tracking you should pay particular attention to the settings and only release necessary data.

Control mechanisms for location data

Use the existing control mechanisms of your operating system. Android and iOS offer options for managing location data. Be careful when using RFID systems, which are widely used in logistics. These can record your movements without visual contact. Stay vigilant and informed to protect your data in the best possible way.