Weather Apps Under Fire for Collecting, Selling User Data

Weather Apps Under Fire for Collecting, Selling User Data

Several weather apps have been found to harvest and use data from its users.

A China-Made Smartphone weather app has stolen private data from over 10 million global users according to new research from a London-based security firm.

Upstream Systems found that the app's creator, TCL, was collecting users' geographic locations, email addresses and International Mobile Equipment Identity, a unique ID assigned to each authenticated cell phone and keeps the data on TCL servers in China.

The security firm also discovered that the weather app, called Weather Forecast—World Weather Accurate Radar, surreptitiously subscribed users of TCL's low-cost Alcatel smartphone in Brazil, Malaysia, Nigeria and other developing countries to its paid virtual-reality services. About 100,000 Alcatel phones were automatically subscribed, which would have billed the users more than $1.5 million had the firm not discovered it.

Wall Street Journal made inquires to TCL last November and the company updated the weather app that month. The app stopped automatically subscribing users, according to Upstream, but the data collection continues.

This isn't the only weather app to make data privacy headlines recently, The Weather Channel App has also been accused of using location data to make a profit.

The city of Los Angeles announced it is suing the Weather Channel, claiming it collects, shares and sells users' location data without their content. The lawsuit claims this data has been collected and sold for years under the guise it is being used to personalize forecasts. 

 In addition to the Weather Channel App and Weather Forecast—World Weather Accurate Radar, WeatherBug and Accuweather also sell their location data.


About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

New Products

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.