Why true caller is dangerous

Truecaller is a popular caller ID application that helps people identify unknown numbers and avoid spam calls. It has been downloaded more than 500 million times and claims to have over 270 million monthly active users worldwide. However, despite its popularity, Truecaller has also been criticized for its potential danger to user privacy and security. In this article, we will examine why Truecaller is considered dangerous and what risks it poses to users.

What is Truecaller and How Does it Work?
Truecaller is a smartphone application that helps users identify unknown numbers and avoid spam calls. The app uses a crowdsourced directory of phone numbers to identify incoming calls, displaying the caller's name and photo if available. Users can also search for phone numbers and find out who they belong to. Truecaller also includes additional features such as call blocking, call recording, and SMS filtering.

To use Truecaller, users must create an account and allow the app access to their contact list and call logs. Truecaller also collects data from other sources, including public directories, social media platforms, and third-party apps. The app claims to use this data to improve its accuracy and provide better results to its users.

How is Truecaller Dangerous?
Despite its benefits, Truecaller poses several risks to user privacy and security. Below are some of the reasons why Truecaller is considered dangerous.

a. Truecaller collects user data

To function properly, Truecaller needs access to a user's contact list and call logs. This means that the app can collect sensitive information about users, including their phone numbers, names, and call history. The app also collects data from other sources, such as public directories, social media platforms, and third-party apps. While Truecaller claims to use this data to improve its accuracy, it also raises concerns about data privacy and security.

b. Truecaller shares user data with third parties

Truecaller's privacy policy states that it may share user data with its affiliates and third-party partners for various purposes, including advertising, analytics, and marketing. While the app claims to share only anonymous data, there is no guarantee that user information will not be linked to their identities.

c. Truecaller may expose user data to hackers and fraudsters

Like any other app or service, Truecaller is not immune to cyberattacks and data breaches. In 2019, Truecaller suffered a data breach that exposed the personal information of millions of users, including their names, phone numbers, and email addresses. The incident highlights the risk of using apps that collect and store sensitive user data.

d. Truecaller may violate user privacy rights

Truecaller's data collection and sharing practices have raised concerns about user privacy rights. In some countries, the app may be violating local laws that require user consent for data collection and sharing. In 2019, the Indian government ordered Truecaller to implement measures to comply with local data privacy laws or face a ban in the country.

e. Truecaller may lead to identity theft and fraud

By collecting and displaying user data, Truecaller may also expose users to identity theft and fraud. Fraudsters and scammers can use the app to impersonate users and gain access to their sensitive information, such as bank accounts and credit cards. The app's call blocking and spam filtering features may also give users a false sense of security, leading them to lower their guard against potential scams and frauds.

How to Protect Yourself from Truecaller's Risks
While Truecaller poses several risks to user privacy and security, there are ways to minimize these risks. Below are some tips on how to protect yourself from Truecaller's dangers.

Use alternative caller ID apps

If you're concerned about Truecaller's privacy and security risks, consider using alternative caller ID apps that don't collect or share user data.