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TikTok, Google, Amazon, Apple millions of us interact with these tech giants everyday.
What do the companies say?
Image: Screenshot of Apple’s Privacy Policy detailing the data it collects
Data Apple collects includes information you provide, as well as collecting it from third-parties.
rig and personal information is recorded, alongside usage data and payment information.
Apple states that “you are not required to provide the personal data that we have requested.
Image: Screenshot of Google’s Privacy Policy
Amazon
Amazon details how it shows us personalized ads and what cookie options are available.
But it does say in some instances Amazon “may share your personal information with third-parties.”
This includes home address, phone number, credit card numbers, and email addresses.
Image: Screenshot of Google’s Privacy Policy detailing the type of information it collects
Unfortunately, there isn’t really a way to access Amazon’s services without entering this information.
Google’s privacy policyis a mammoth document, something unsurprising for a company of its size.
Personalized ads can be turned off in “My Ad Centre.”
Image: Screenshot of TikTok’s Privacy Policy claiming it can’t guarantee the security of your information
Whilst Google claims it doesn’t sell your data to third-parties, they can still access it.
Google has a number of partnerships and agreements with third-parties that allow the accessing and sharing of data.
It processes the content you generate on the app, including videos and photos you upload and create.
Message information is collected, as well as purchase information.
If you choose to sync your phone and social connection contacts, that will be accessed by TikTok.
All the information mentioned here is collected by TikTok because you, as a user, provide it.
TikTok collects a large quantity of overly invasive technical information.
Your information is also shared with business partners, service providers, and advertisers.
It goes on to say that “any transmission is at your own risk.”
What fines have been issued?
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) was introduced by the European Union in 2018.
Leading VPN providerPrivate Internet Access(PIA) is the only VPN to offer servers in all US states.
Covering every fine issued to the companies will take a long time and therefore a selection will be highlighted.
Apple’s most recent privacy lawsuit relates to its voice-assistant Siri being accused of listening to people without consent.
The company has justagreed to a settlement of $95 millionto patch up the case.
Plaintiffs reported receiving adverts for products and restaurants discussed, as well as medical procedures.
In 2023, Apple was fined$8 million for privacy violationsinvolving French iPhone users.
Data fromProton VPNfound that in2024Apple received over $2.1 billion in fines, not just for privacy related lawsuits.
In2023, the figure was $186.4 million, and in2022, it was $457 million.
The case related to infringements regarding Amazon’s advertising targeting system, which was carried out without proper consent.
It isn’t just in Europe where Amazon has been targeted.
The 2012 case resulted in a fine of $22.5 million for the tech giant.
In 2021,France fined Google 90 millionfor making cookies significantly harder to reject than accept.
The number in 2023 was $941 million, and $1.03 billion in 2022.
Despite being the youngest company on this list, TikTok has racked up millions of dollars in fines.
Big Tech profits off people’s most valuable asset their personal data by offering ‘free’ services in exchange.
And with the rise of AI, the stakes are higher than ever.”
“This exploitative business model benefits no one but Big Tech and erodes both privacy and choice.
It’s time regulators started speaking big tech’s language.
You don’t prevent a bank robbery by arming guards with a feather.”
Fines may not be enough Big Tech needs to end their anticompetitive practices.
However, this is understandable.
We would need to spend a quarter of a month visiting the privacy policy pages of websites we need.
On the other hand, reading a privacy policy is as important as having one.
Meanwhile, users should choose trusted websites and know what to look for.
Staying informed about privacy policies and updates is also crucial."
“Ultimately, a comprehensive regulatory framework is needed to ensure consistent protection across the board.
Can you protect your personal data?
Reading privacy policies is vital.
Using a VPN on all your devices is another great way of protecting your privacy.
VPNs encrypt your internet traffic and mask your IP address, keeping it safe from third-parties.
It’s super fast and great for streaming thanks to its ability to unblock all your favourite streaming services.
It offers over 7,000 servers in 118 countries and protection for up to 10 devices.
NordVPN also includes data removal as part ofNordProtectwhich is included in its premium plans.
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses.
For example: 1.
Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).
Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.
We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services.
Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
