Social Login

Many online services such as stores, games, and apps of all kinds require users to register in order to access their features. Managing these accounts becomes a tedious task for those who want to use them.

One option provided by these apps and websites is the so-called “social login”. With this option, users can register and access services using their social media accounts “such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), or even Gmail” as a “gateway”. All you have to do is click on the icon of the network of their choice, grant access to certain information, and the login is complete.

However, despite its convenience, it's important to be cautious with the personal information collected during this process, as some companies may take advantage of the opportunity to ask for more information than necessary. In addition to your username and email address, apps may ask to access your gender, browsing history, posts, contact lists, and even photos. If the user grants permission, all of this data can be collected and shared with third parties.

That's why it's important to regularly check which apps and websites are using social login and what permissions they have. Then revoke access for services that are abusive or no longer in use.

To check this on Facebook, go to: Settings and privacy “Settings” “Apps and websites”. See which permissions are being used, edit them if possible, and remove any apps you consider abusive.

On Google, click Manage Your Google Account “Data & privacy”. Scroll down to Data from apps and services you use and select the option “Third-party apps with account access”. Check the permissions and remove access to any apps or services you consider abusive or no longer use.

On Twitter, go to: Settings and privacy “Security and account access” “Apps and sessions”. Check the permissions granted to each app and, if necessary, click “Revoke app permissions”.

To avoid confusion about what data is being collected and how it will be used, it's important to review the website or app's terms of use and privacy policies.

Take good care of your information!

Description

In the first scene, a girl is using her cell phone. She taps one of the icons to log in to a gaming app using a social network. At the top of the screen, a phrase appears: “Be careful when logging in through a social network”. A warning icon appears and disappears.

A message indicating which information will be accessed is displayed on the cell phone screen. The phrase changes to: “Check if the permissions are really necessary.” The information includes the girl's friends list, her age, and her posts. The girl looks surprised.

In the next scene, the phrase “Read the terms to find out how your data will be used” appears. The girl reads the app's terms of use on the screen of her phone. The phrase changes once again: “If you have any doubt, choose a different option.” The girl cancels the login process.