Twitter is changing its privacy policy so its mobile app can scan what other apps you have installed on your smartphone or tablet in order to profile how you use your phone.
According to the company, the process will “help build a more personal Twitter experience” for users, or, in plain Engilsh, enable it to serve more targeted apps.
The new function, dubbed “app graph”, will periodically search for and discover what other apps are installed on your mobile device. However, the company has sought to reassure the 232 million Tweeters using its platform that it won’t collect any data from within the apps.
In addition to showing “more relevant promoted content”, the information collected will also be used to improve the tweets from people you don’t follow that are shown in your timeline – a feature that has been controversial in its own right – as well as “who to follow” suggestions.
How will I know if Twitter app graph is turned on?
Twitter hasn’t started rolling out app graph just yet, and it’s given no fixed date when it will start or finish. However, you will be notified by a prompt stating “to help tailor your experience, Twitter uses the apps on your device” once it’s active on your account.
How to turn off Twitter app graph
Graph app is an “opt-out” service, meaning if you don’t adjust your settings, your Twitter app will be collecting data on your other apps, unless you already have “Limit Ad Tracking” turned on.
However, it’s fairly easy to turn the function off.
Turning off app graph on iPhone and iPad
1. Open the Twitter app on your device and tap on the “Me” tab.
2. Tap the gear icon and select settings.
3. A menu will appear and you’ll see a list of your accounts at the very top. Tap the one you want to change.
4. A large menu will appear. Scroll to the bottom until you see “Privacy”.
If app graph has been activated on your account, you will see a “Tailor Twitter based on my apps” option, where you can change your settings. (NB: it’s missing from the picture above, as it hasn’t been rolled out yet)
Turning off app graph on Android
1. Open the Twitter app on your device and tap the “overflow” icon in the top right, represented by three vertical dots.
2. Select settings and you will see a list of your accounts. Select the one you wish to change.
3. Under “other” you will see a “Tailor Twitter based on my apps” option, where you can change your settings.
(NB: as above, it’s missing from this picture, as it hasn’t been rolled out yet)
Turning off app graph on Windows Phone
Good news if you’re a privacy-conscious Windows Phone fan – for now at least, app graph isn’t rolling out to Microsoft’s mobile platform.
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