Study Finds Meta and Google Apps Collect Far More User Data Than Rivals
A Surfshark-led analysis shows Meta's mobile apps request an average of 25 of 35 possible data types, roughly three times more than Apple or Microsoft, while Google also ranks among the top data collectors.
Surfshark, a VPN and security provider, analyzed privacy declarations for 171 iOS applications released by Meta, Google, Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon. By counting the number of distinct data categories each app claims it can collect, the study found Meta’s apps to be the most aggressive, averaging 25 out of a possible 35 data types, which is about three times the average for Apple and Microsoft offerings. Google’s portfolio, though showing a lower average than Meta, still dominated six App Store categories and contributed 29 of the 40 apps with the broadest data-collection claims, with each Google app listing 18 to 26 types.
Amazon’s Alexa app listed 28 types, making it the most data-intensive among non-Meta apps. All Meta apps disclosed collection of device IDs, product interactions, performance metrics, and crash data, with many also requesting precise location and browsing history. The methodology counts declared data categories, not actual volume or frequency, and is based on information submitted to Apple’s App Store rather than independent traffic analysis.
Why it matters
Understanding how major apps gather personal information helps users assess privacy risks and informs regulatory scrutiny.
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