Facebook is back to its old tricks, just weeks after its latest controversy over its Onavo Protect VPN app, which allegedly tracks user data .
This time, he has created another “security” app called Bolt App Lock, whose main function is to lock down other apps on mobile phones. The app allows users to add additional security measures, such as patterns, PIN codes, or fingerprint recognition, to apps they don’t want others to have easy access to.
But this app has another feature that tracks user activity and sends the collected data to Facebook. This was confirmed by the app's Google Play listing, which stated that Bolt App Lock collects data about other apps present on a user's device.
He also said the app collects “information about when these apps are used and device and network information.”
Additionally, the disclosure stated that as part of Facebook, it may send the information it collects to the company in order to "improve Facebook products and services, gain insights into the products and services people value, and create better experiences.".
Collecting mobile app usage and related information has already helped the social media giant gain several competitive advantages over its rivals like Snapchat.
Although Facebook deleted the app soon after its release, it's pretty clear that the company aims to gain more such knowledge by creating apps that trick users and track their activity.
After receiving so much negative attention, a Facebook spokesperson issued a statement to TechCrunch calling the whole thing a “small, short test.”.
