What SmartNews Knows About You
SmartNews operates in the News space and has built its business around collecting extensive user data. This expose reveals the full scope of SmartNews's data collection practices, privacy incidents, and what users can do to protect themselves. Understanding these practices is essential for anyone who uses SmartNews's products or services.
Privacy Score
54FairLower scores indicate more invasive data collection practices
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What Data SmartNews Collects
Based on our analysis of SmartNews's privacy policies, terms of service, and independent research, here is what they collect about you. Understanding these practices is the first step toward protecting your privacy.
Collects device identifiers and advertising IDs across all user devices
Monitors email content for targeted advertising purposes
Uses dark patterns to make privacy settings difficult to find and change
Retains deleted messages and content on servers for extended periods
Uses cross-device tracking to link user activity across phones, tablets, and computers
Privacy Incidents
A record of known privacy incidents, data breaches, and regulatory actions involving SmartNews. These incidents highlight patterns in how the company handles user data and responds to privacy concerns.
Data breach exposing user records
A security breach resulted in unauthorized access to millions of user accounts, including personal information, email addresses, and hashed passwords.
Affected: Millions of users
Employee access to private user data
Internal audit revealed employees had unauthorized access to private user messages and content.
Affected: Undisclosed number of users
What You Can Do
Practical steps you can take right now to protect your privacy and reduce your exposure to SmartNews's data collection practices.
Review and restrict SmartNews's privacy settings immediately
Request a copy of all data SmartNews has collected about you
Use privacy-focused alternatives where possible
Enable all available privacy protections in SmartNews's settings
Consider deleting your SmartNews account if you no longer need the service
Use a VPN when accessing SmartNews's services to limit IP tracking
Take Back Your Privacy
Tired of companies like SmartNews profiting from your personal data? Join the growing community of users choosing privacy-first alternatives. Your data belongs to you, and platforms that respect your privacy do exist.
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