One-click cleanup: This free app deletes your digital history
Asking all the companies you interact with to protect your data sounds like a never-ending game of Whac-A-Mole. Who has that kind of time or energy? Thankfully, a new app will do it for ya.
The Permission Slip app was created by Consumer Reports (so you know it’s good!). It contacts companies on your behalf to ensure your personal info isn’t sold to third parties, aka anyone willing to pay for it. They can even get your data erased for you.
The icing on the cake? It’s free to download and use.
Permission granted
To try the app for yourself, follow these steps:
- Download the app for iPhone or Android. Quick tip: The Permission Slip website has a QR code that takes you to the download.
- Sign into the app with your email address, Apple ID or Google account.
- Choose your state from the dropdown menu.
- You’ll be presented with several “cards” listing major company names. Swipe through Tinder-style and skip if you’ve never interacted with them. If you have, click the Learn More & Take Action button.
You’ll then see a screen that lists company information and what kind of data it collects.
Forget me, please
If you have an account with that company, you can submit a “Do Not Sell My Data” request. You can also tap Delete My Account. Once the submission is complete, you’ll receive a confirmation message.
The first time you submit a request, you must enter your mobile number, home address and primary email address. This info is encrypted and protected by Permission Slip. You must also review and electronically sign Permission Slip’s user agreement.
What’s next?
AI fakes are everywhere – How to spot them
Tom Hanks isn’t trying to sell you a dental plan. YouTuber MrBeast won’t give you an iPhone 15. CBS News host Gayle King isn’t recommending a weight-loss product.
I knew this stage of AI tomfoolery was coming, but it’s still surprising how fast it’s happening. Let’s take a closer look at how free and cheap tools fuel fraud — and the signs to watch for.
The best apps to see where a flight is and when it’s landing
Let’s be honest. No one loves picking up someone from the airport. If you’ve been chosen for this task, take it as a badge of honor. It means you’re a trusted friend.
But trusted or not, it doesn’t mean you need to be stuck there waiting to know where they are. Sick of circling or whiling away time in the cell phone lot? You’re going to love this.
Hidden apps on your smartphone and how to find them
There’s a slew of features baked into smartphones most people don’t know about. Tap or click here for my favorites, from seeing where a plane overhead is going to quickly delete your last few searches.
Some of the most valuable tricks are hiding in your phone’s accessibility menu. These features make things easier for folks with vision, hearing, and motor impairments. Tap or click for 10 handy accessibility settings anyone can use.
Check your phone! Apps caught sending data to China
Another day, another bad app. Cybersecurity researchers at Pradeo spotted two apps in the Google Play Store collecting and sending data straight to malicious servers based in China. Combined, they have 1.5 million downloads. Is one on your phone?
Hidden Google Maps features to save you time and money
Have an older car? You don’t want to shell out for a brand-new one — especially not in this economy. Here are 10 upgrades to revamp your ride.
It’s getting warmer, and you’re probably itching to hit the road. With gas prices still high, who doesn’t want to save money? And while you’re at it, getting to your destination faster would be nice, wouldn’t it?
PSA: Stop sharing your phone’s address book with apps that ask for it
Whether posting a headshot on your LinkedIn profile or uploading a photo to your favorite social media platform, you want to look your best. Anybody can use a camera, but it takes some practice to take a good shot. Tap or click here for five simple tricks to look better in family photos and selfies.
The true cost of cash advance apps
Need money to pay bills in a pinch? Many rely on cash advance apps to make it to their next check. While these services offer a helping hand, you could wind up in a jam if you’re not careful.
A recent study took a deep dive into 15 of today’s most popular cash advance apps. The scoop? An advance might cost more than you bargained (or budgeted) for.
Have any of these apps installed on your phone? Delete them immediately
Here’s the bad news: Malware can come from anywhere. Just previewing a Word doc could infect your device. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe.
The good news is you can protect yourself with some knowledge and good practices. We’ve compiled a list of malicious apps that you must avoid at all costs, along with some tips on staying safe while still enjoying your tech.
Speed up your computer with this simple Google Chrome extension
Nobody likes to work on a slow computer, but finding the cause (or a fix) can be tricky. If Google’s Chrome browser is your preferred way of getting around the internet, there is a good chance that it could be to blame.
These games are 'hungry' for data
Do you crush candies? Maybe you prefer word games, collecting coins or playing cards. Your favorite phone game is probably collecting a lot more than you know. No wonder it’s free!
Privacy company Surfshark compiled a list of the most data-hungry games out there. Is your fave on the list?
I saved $456.76 in 5 minutes using an app that finds subscription services
Do you ever look at your monthly bills and wonder where some of those crazy numbers come from?
I’m willing to bet some of those costly digits come from subscriptions you’re signed up for. Do you use all of them enough to justify the expense? That’s money automatically being taken out of your account every month or year.
Apps with 421M downloads … and hidden malware
Sorry, Android users. More bad news for you on the app front. (I know, it never ends.) Security researchers at Dr. Web found spyware in more than 100 popular apps. The most popular ones on the list have over 100 million downloads.
Is it worth it? Must-have apps vs. the money drains
Seeing a charge come through for a streaming service you forgot you even subscribed to is a special kind of frustration.
This is bound to happen if you sign up for free trials but never set a reminder to cancel before you’re charged. Here are the simple steps to stop this from ever happening again.
ChatGPT apps: The good, the bad and the scammy
I’ve been warning you for months to avoid anything claiming to be an official ChatGPT app since it wasn’t here yet. Good news: The ChatGPT app is now live, and you can download it … if you have an iPhone. (Open AI says the Android app is coming soon.)
Google is doubling down on AI across its services
The artificial intelligence (AI) wars are heating up as Google tries to play catch-up with OpenAI’s ChatGPT, which is now being used by many tech companies to improve their services.
Judging by the mishaps we’ve already seen, the Alphabet company has a long way to go. Google has had AI capability baked into its products for some time (including better translation quality in Google Translate), but generative AI will take things to a new level.
Check your phone! Bad app alert
Is your Android phone running sluggishly? It could be any number of causes, from bloatware to spyware. Here are eight ways to get your phone back up to speed.
Have you seen charges for things you don’t remember subscribing to? Either your kids got their hands on your credit card, or you may be the victim of a thieving app. The apps boast abilities to make you look slimmer, remove imperfections and add filters. Don’t let vanity be your downfall!
Check out these ChatGPT-powered chatbots
One of ChatGPT’s most enticing features is that it’s completely free to use. But you know what we always say when it comes to tech, you’re offering something in exchange for free stuff, whether you realize it or not. Here’s what you’re giving up to OpenAI’s world-famous chatbot.
9 best AI extensions for Google Chrome
As a small business owner, Kim wears many hats and handles different tasks every day. If you can relate, you should know that automation can help you manage everything on your plate and keep your business running smoothly.
Best apps to convert old photos and negatives to digital
Forget scrolling through your phone’s endless photo gallery to find something. Here’s a pro trick to locate any photo you want in 30 seconds or less.
If your photos aren’t backed up, this is your reminder to do it now. You’d be heartbroken should you lose all those memories. Tap or click for the foolproof steps to make the job easier.