Just putting all kinds of apps on the smartphone and tablet is unwise. What should you pay attention to if you only want to download safe apps?
What are apps?
An app is a program for smartphones and tablets. For example, it is a program for e-mailing, using the internet or internet banking. Every device already has some apps by default, but you can also download them for free or for a fee.
Research apps before downloading
Do you want to download a particular app? Then pay attention to the following things:
- Look for experiences of others. Read the reviews in the app store and search for reviews from other users on Google. If there are many problems or if things stand out in a negative way, do not download the app.
- Check who is the publisher/creator of an app. If an unknown publisher is listed, tap the publisher’s name to see more apps from this company. This will give you an idea of ​​the type of apps the company makes.
- Look at the number of downloads. Apps from well-known companies are downloaded hundreds of thousands of times. With apps that are barely downloaded, something could be going on.
- Look at the spelling of the name of the app and the text that comes with it. A (fictional) app called Gmeel is not the app of the mail program Gmail.
Download apps from the App Store
On the iPad and iPhone, people can only download apps through Apple’s official app store: the App Store. Apple is strict about allowing new apps in the App Store. Developers have to meet all kinds of conditions. The apps are therefore basically safe. But of course there can always be a bad app slipping through the check.
Download apps from the Play Store
On Android devices, people can put apps that are on the internet. But that is very unwise. Users are advised to only download apps through Google’s official app store: the Google Play Store. Google pays close attention to the apps that are offered via the Play Store. But bad apps can slip through control. In general, those faulty apps are not a big problem for Dutch users. Still, it can’t hurt to stay alert.
Permissions (iOS)
Apps often want permission to use all kinds of data from your device. You only give permission if an app actually needs the permission. So a photography app may ask for permission to use your camera roll on first use. You are not obliged to give permission. But do know that apps can work less well. The settings of the device state which apps can access your photos, for example. If necessary, you can revoke your consent. Here’s how to look at the permissions apps have:
- Tap on Institutions > Privacy.
- On the iPad, the different parts that apps can access are listed in the right column. On the iPhone you will see the sections directly on the screen. Tap one of the items to see which apps use that feature, for example photos.
- Here are all the apps that can access your photos. Tap an app.
- For example, tap No if you don’t want an app to access your photos.
- Some components, such as Calendars or Contacts, have a scroll bar next to the apps. Access is active with a green scroll bar. Tap the slider to turn the feature off.
Permissions (Android)
When downloaded, apps often ask for permission to use all kinds of data from your device. For example, a photo app wants to be able to use your camera. Take a critical look at these so-called permissions. You then have control over whether an app can use your location or photos, for example. Read all about this in the article ‘Setting privacy with Android apps’.
If you have an older version than Android 6, you cannot change the permissions. It’s accept the permission or don’t download the app. Read the terms and conditions carefully and check whether the requirements of the app are realistic. For example, WhatsApp needs access to your contacts or you won’t be able to chat. But a deals app doesn’t necessarily need that. If you find the permissions too far-reaching, then you should not download the app.