Free apps are not free. You pay with your data. Let's see exactly what that means — and how to take some back.
⚡ Fix the permissions → earn your Privacy Pro badge
Lily · 8th Grade · Boone, NC
I was talking with my friend about wanting new sneakers — never searched for them anywhere. That same afternoon I saw an ad for exactly those sneakers on Instagram. I started actually reading what apps ask permission for. Way more unsettling than the ad.
If It's Free, You're the Product
TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat — none charge you money. They make billions by selling access to your data. The more they know about you, the more valuable you are to advertisers. That is why they want your location, contacts, camera, and microphone.
⚙️ Activity 1 · Fix the Permissions
+10 XP each correct
A flashlight app has all permissions turned ON. Toggle off the ones it does not need — and leave on any it actually requires. A flashlight only needs... the flash. 🔦
📍
Location — Always On
Tracks exactly where you are at all times, even when the app is closed
HIGH RISK
📇
Contacts
Uploads your entire contact list to the company's servers
HIGH RISK
📸
Camera
Access to camera hardware — required to use the flash
NEEDED
🎙️
Microphone
Can listen while you use the app — or even when it appears closed
HIGH RISK
✅ Perfect! Location, Contacts, and Mic turned off — Camera kept on because the flash actually needs it. This is exactly what to do with real apps.
💰 Activity 2 · What Is Your Data Worth?
+15 XP
Apps sell your data to advertisers. Adjust the sliders to match your app usage and see what companies may be making from your information.
Your Data Value Calculator
📱 Social media apps
🎮 Games with accounts
🛒 Shopping or deal apps
$0
Estimated annual value of your data to these companies
Enter your numbers above to see your value →
⚡ +15 XP — now you know what you're worth to them!
⚡ Activity 3 · True or False Blitz
+10 XP each
Loading...
Correct answers
🎯
⚔️ Boss Challenge
The "Free" Game
+25 XP
📖 Scenario
Jordan downloads a free puzzle game. At install it asks for: location (always on), contacts, camera, microphone, and background refresh. Jordan taps "Allow All" to get started faster.
What did Jordan actually just agree to?
A
Just letting the game work properly — apps need permissions to run
B
Nothing bad — Jordan can always delete the app later
C
Real-time location, all contacts uploaded, mic and camera access — none of which a puzzle game needs
D
Something that can be undone by just deleting the app
Module 4 — Key Takeaways
✦ Free apps make money by collecting and selling your data
✦ Permission requests are access to your actual life — read them before tapping Allow
✦ Location "always on" is almost never needed — set it to "only while using"
✦ Contacts permission shares info about people who never agreed to it
✦ Check your phone's app permissions this week — it takes 10 minutes