Few people read privacy policies from start to finish, and it is easy to see why: they can be long and full of legal language. But a few minutes of targeted reading can reveal how an app or website treats your information.

What to look for

  • What data is collected, and whether any of it is sensitive, such as health or precise location.
  • Why it is collected and how it is used.
  • Whether data is shared with or sold to other companies.
  • How long data is kept.
  • How you can access, correct or delete your data.
  • Who to contact with questions or complaints.

Spot the red flags

Be cautious if a policy is vague about sharing, gives the company very broad rights, or makes it hard to find contact details or deletion options. A service that asks for far more data than it needs is also worth questioning.

Use the settings

Many services provide privacy dashboards where you can opt out of personalised ads, limit data sharing or download your information. Visit them after signing up.

Takeaway

Treat the privacy policy as a short research task. A quick scan of the key sections helps you decide whether a service has earned your trust.