Privacy + Security for Mobile Apps

What you need to know before you tap “Install.”

Some mobile apps, especially free ones, collect more personal data than you might expect. This information can include your contacts, location, photos or even what you type. Collected data is often sold or used to target you with personalized content, which can be helpful, but also raises serious privacy concerns.

• If you can, use separate devices for personal apps and ECU work.
• If not, avoid accessing sensitive university data on a phone that runs social media apps.

Why it Matters

Free apps often profit from sharing your data. If you’re using these apps on a device that also accesses ECU systems or email, you’re potentially putting university information and your own at risk.

Apps like TikTok have raised red flags around the world, especially because of:

• Laws in some countries may require companies to share user data with their government.
• In-app browsers can track what you type, including passwords and credit card numbers.
• Algorithms that may influence what you see and how you think.

Governments in Canada and other countries have banned TikTok from official devices. ECU is monitoring these developments and currently advises caution when using TikTok, especially on devices connected to university data.

What to learn more? Review Privacy and Social Media in the Workplace, a resource from The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.