Mobile app privacy study reveals widespread web browsing tracking

A study by cybersecurity firm Surfshark reveals that 45% of the most downloaded mobile applications on iOS and Android collect users' web browsing histories. The research, which examined 40 popular services including social media, e-commerce, and AI platforms, found that many apps use in-app browsers to monitor online activity. This allows platforms to track specific searches and visited sites to refine advertising targeting, often with consent buried deep within terms of service.

These privacy concerns are compounded by rising digital threats. According to the Pew Research Center, approximately 75% of Americans have been exposed to some form of online scam. The complexity of these attacks is increasing due to sophisticated AI tools, such as deepfakes used in vishing to impersonate loved ones. To mitigate these risks, experts recommend regular software updates on devices like Android to ensure the latest security patches and AI-powered scam detection tools are active.