Daniel NocketJan 31, 2023
VM (Vicky) Brasseur

Huh.

Consumer Reports (CR) has released a mobile app (iOS, Android on the way) that shows what data companies collect about you, then allows you to have CR get the data deleted:

https://www.permissionslipcr.com

Essentially, CR will act as the data ombudsman for anyone who asks them to. I love it.

CR is a non-profit that accepts no advertising or corporate sponsorship, and they have a great reputation. It's a superb choice to take on the data capitalists.

US-only (don't @ me).

#privacy

Permission Slip App by CR

One app to take back control of your data

Jan 29, 2023 at 5:22amWeb
Show threadRandomatic  Jan 29, 2023

@vmbrasseur
Thanks! This does look useful.

Ironically, they say the Android version of this app to manage corporate data collection will be on Google Play, with no mention of F-Droid. 😕

Show threadDaniel SchildtJan 29, 2023
@randomatic Most people haven't even heard of F-Droid, much less would use it. While alternative distribution channels are a nice potential add-on, larger organizations like Consumer Reports should focus on regular consumers, not on niche users.
Show threadLeftyLabourTechTorontoJan 29, 2023
@autiomaa @randomatic That's true, however some of us do our best to make people aware of F-droid. And, a media outlet with the reach of CR could use that reach to make more people aware of it.
Show threadLeftyLabourTechTorontoJan 29, 2023

@randomatic @vmbrasseur . However this CR app also appears to be a proprietary software app. If that's the case (and I'm not sure), what data is it collecting? However, you can at least avoid Google Play by using the Aurora Store instead.

https://f-droid.org/en/packages/com.aurora.store/

Aurora Store | F-Droid - Free and Open Source Android App Repository

An unofficial FOSS client to Google Play with an elegant design and privacy

Show threadTTG_42Jan 29, 2023
@vmbrasseur great idea, wonder if something equivalent regarding GDPR exists.
Any idea @LaQuadrature ?
https://www.permissionslipcr.com
Permission Slip App by CR

One app to take back control of your data

Show threadAlex WrottesleyFeb 2, 2023

@TTG_42 @vmbrasseur @LaQuadrature

I was thinking the same thing. It would be great to have a similar service in the UK and Europe.

Show threadDaniel AppelquistJan 29, 2023
@vmbrasseur Unfortunately only available in US App Store.
Show thread🦇 Jennie Rigg 🏳️‍🌈 (she/her)Jan 29, 2023
@torgo :( @vmbrasseur
Show threadTim SmithJan 29, 2023
@vmbrasseur the app is really well executed too. It just works exactly how you’d expect and better
Show threadzamubafooJan 29, 2023
@vmbrasseur Just a friendly reminder for all, your local #Library (probably) has paid for access to Consumer Reports for all card holders.
Show threadPamelaWaldmanJan 29, 2023
@zamu @vmbrasseur Thanks for rhe tip
Show threadLauraJan 29, 2023
@vmbrasseur Well that's a beautiful thing right there!
Show threadjlapoutreJan 29, 2023
@vmbrasseur looks great, does something similar exist for GDPR in Europe? https://www.permissionslipcr.com/faq.php#Q2FuK0krdXNlK1Blcm1pc3Npb24rU2xpcCtldmVuK2lmK0krZG9uJTI2cnNxdW8lM0J0K2xpdmUraW4rQ2FsaWZvcm5pYSUzRg==
Show threadLouDJan 29, 2023
@vmbrasseur I use DuckDuckGo and this does the same, except for the date being able to be viewed.
Even official government apps send data to a third partner.
Show threadMee-mee-mee-meeJan 29, 2023
@vmbrasseur Fantastic!
Show threadራስ ባሪያው Rass BariawJan 29, 2023
@vmbrasseur please ping us when the Android version comes out
Show threadSandrockcstm, in space!Jan 29, 2023
@vmbrasseur This is so cool! It looks like the Android app isn't available yet, which makes me sad. But what a great idea.
Show threadOldBrushNewPaperJan 29, 2023

@vmbrasseur Highlighting this because it's so necessary for #privacy:

"Essentially, (Consumer Reports) will act as the data ombudsman for anyone who asks them to."

Show threadJoaquin Jan 29, 2023
@vmbrasseur that is pretty awesome, I’m glad that it exists. The only issue I found in using it is that in order to have your data deleted, you almost always have to delete your account with a given company, which circumvents the point in a way. I don’t want my data to be taken, sold, etc, but I also need to use these accounts in order to function in today’s society.
Show threadDon MartiJan 30, 2023

@redscroll_py @vmbrasseur

You can also use CR Permission Slip to send an enforceable opt out of sale or sharing -- you do not have to delete your entire account to stop a company from transferring your info.

More good news -- the AG of California pays attention to businesses that fail to handle authorized agent mail properly ( https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/ahead-data-privacy-day-attorney-general-bonta-focuses-mobile-applications%E2%80%99 ) When we did the agent study that led to Permission Slip we got uneven compliance (and had to send postal mail in 1 case) now it's much better

Ahead of Data Privacy Day, Attorney General Bonta Focuses on Mobile Applications’ Compliance with the California Consumer Privacy Act

OAKLAND – Ahead of Data Privacy Day, California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced an investigative sweep, sending letters to businesses with mobile apps that fail to comply with the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). This year’s sweep focuses on popular apps in the retail, travel, and food service industries that allegedly fail to comply with consumer opt-out requests or do not offer any mechanism for consumers who want to stop the sale of their data.

State of California - Department of Justice - Office of the Attorney General
Show threadFaith Rogow-Media Lit Ed MavenJan 29, 2023
@vmbrasseur Love this in theory, but it doesn't help much if website owners can disable functionality of features and accounts if you refuse their tracking requests.
Show threadLonewolfJan 29, 2023
@vmbrasseur is this legit? Or are we just giving more information to someone else
Show threadDoug DimickJan 29, 2023

@lonewolf @vmbrasseur Consumer Reports is a legit organization with a long-standing reputation for consumer advocacy. Their primary source of revenue is subscription sales to their product reviews. While I can’t speak to the specifics of this app, I do trust CR.

As an example, along the list of other companies this app includes for automated data deletion is Consumer Reports themselves.

Show threadLonewolfJan 29, 2023
@doug @vmbrasseur I will check it out.
I'm sure I've got tons of data out there
Show threadPro-Democracy Coalition GuyJan 29, 2023

@vmbrasseur

Awesome. Thanks for the tip.

Show threadHal SandickJan 29, 2023
@vmbrasseur no android version
Show threadDaniel ColquittJan 29, 2023
@vmbrasseur anyone know an equivalent app for GDPR/UK Data Protection Act?
Show threadBrian HawthorneJan 29, 2023
@vmbrasseur I was thrilled that they included Consumer Reports in their list of companies to send requests to.
Show threadFink Jan 29, 2023
@vmbrasseur US only though
Show thread@infosec_jcp 🐈🃏 done differentlyJan 29, 2023

@vmbrasseur

This should be interesting for the USAian's as California's PR & CA laws kick into #compliancemode 😃

#SiliconValley #CaliforniaPrivacyLaws #GDPR #CCPA #CCPR

Show threadÉtienne ParmentierJan 29, 2023
@vmbrasseur sadly, it does not work for all countries: I’m french and the app is not downloadable from there.
Show threadFrazell ThomasJan 29, 2023
@vmbrasseur thanks for the heads up. Very useful tool and free to all!
Show threadKevin DJan 29, 2023
@vmbrasseur looks like ios only though?
Show threadVM (Vicky) BrasseurJan 29, 2023
@Lucky_Th13teen Yes, that's what both my toot and the website say.
Show threadKevin DJan 29, 2023
@vmbrasseur ah missed it on the toot, #adhd strikes again
Show threadAlphamanJan 30, 2023

@Lucky_Th13teen @vmbrasseur
It is right now, but the FAQ indicates they are working on a ‘roid port.

https://www.permissionslipcr.com/faq.php#V2hlbit3aWxsK1Blcm1pc3Npb24rU2xpcCtiZSthdmFpbGFibGUrb24rQW5kcm9pZCUzRg==

Show threadTed JohnsonJan 29, 2023
@vmbrasseur I get so little use out of my CR membership (because I live in Madagascar). Every year I contemplate not renewing, and every year they come through with a reason to keep loving them
Show threadJLab8Jan 29, 2023
@vmbrasseur here's hoping their reviews start being a *lot* more granular about what features do and do not work on a product when it is denied internet access/when you don't set up an account with the manufacturer/without a smartphone app, and the same for any APIs offered.
Show threadtimmitra 🇨🇦Jan 29, 2023
@vmbrasseur there outta be a law ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Show threadAlexandre MorinJan 29, 2023
@vmbrasseur this is so easy to use! Removes the complexity out of all this. Great work from the product team at Consumer Reports!
They even have a monthly auto-request feature. Brilliant!
Show threadmichaelJan 29, 2023
@vmbrasseur @lindadong this is an AWESOME idea. I work in privacy automation and know how tricky this is for so many companies
Show threadMiss ConductJan 29, 2023
@vmbrasseur I look forward to it being available in Australia
Show threadmarkJan 29, 2023
@vmbrasseur can I have them make the big credit reporting agencies forget me?
Show threadJohnWJan 29, 2023
@vmbrasseur Nice! I'll have it downloaded the moment it hits the Play Store.
Show threadScott 🇮🇱🇺🇦 WILL NOT COMPLYJan 29, 2023
@vmbrasseur They're a great organization. Thanks for sharing!
Show threadCharles MagnusonJan 29, 2023
@vmbrasseur It's surprising to see Consumer Reports list themselves in the app. Juxtaposed next to these bad actors makes them look like they’re a questionable company too.
Show threadPDJan 29, 2023
@vmbrasseur This is from the reviews on the App Store. I’m going to wait for an update.
Show threadMark Wyner Won’t Comply Jan 29, 2023
@vmbrasseur I signed up for this recently be a use of course. But I wasn’t sure why they needed a phone number. Also, they ask for email addresses for use with not selling data. I use lots of different addresses so it wouldn’t be feasible to have them check all of them. It’s really good but there are some flaws in this way.
Show threadB.Jan 29, 2023
@vmbrasseur Fantastic. Meaningful to uae this as an EU citizen?
Show threadJoshua GravesJan 29, 2023
@vmbrasseur how rad! This seems like a good (free!) compliment to https://onerep.com/
Remove Your Personal Information from the Internet - OneRep

The first fully automated platform that truly removes your personal information from 192 websites and Google. Get your free privacy report. Join 450,000 people who protect their privacy with OneRep.

Show threadBrian DearJan 29, 2023
@vmbrasseur CR's reputation isn't as great as you think, and they're entwined in all kinds of corporate lobbying efforts. They invent all kinds of tricks to penalize vehicles in terms of "reliability" for questionable reasons, like a paint imperfection being a demerit on vehicle reliability? I've learned to avoid CR for these reasons; it feels untrustworthy.
Show threadjonnyJan 29, 2023
@vmbrasseur what the hell this is the third rad thing I've seen this week come out of consumer reports, I have been sleeping on them.
Show threadMikeJan 29, 2023
@vmbrasseur not available in Canada, alas.
Show threadTeganJan 30, 2023
@vmbrasseur this is a link to the app store. I looked for it on the Android store. Didn't see it. Any info on that? Is it coming to Android?
Show threadVM (Vicky) BrasseurJan 30, 2023
@tegan Read my toot and the linked website.
Show threadNatalia AntrobusJan 30, 2023
@vmbrasseur
Please let us know when the android version is available?
Show threadVM (Vicky) BrasseurJan 30, 2023
@Talia I have nothing to do with creating or maintaining the app. The website has an email signup form for those notifications. I recommend you subscribe.
Show threadMattJan 30, 2023
@vmbrasseur @leo I love the idea of this. Is it U.S only? Not available in the uk.
Show threadRichie EnamellerJan 30, 2023
@vmbrasseur @GottaLaff I f’in LOVE these guys, have been a member for 20 years #ConsumerReports
Show threadCounselorBecky🖖🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🇺🇦🗳🌊😊Jan 30, 2023
@vmbrasseur
LOVE THIS!!!