By Ama Joycelyn Tseyiboe
A cybersecurity expert, David Gyedu, has cautioned Ghanaians to be more mindful of how they use their smartphones, stressing that many of the devices and apps we rely on daily collect far more data than users realise.
Sspeaking on GTV’s breakfast show on November 27, 2025, he explained that while phones may not be “actively recording full conversations,” they constantly respond to trigger words, gather sensor information, and collect user behaviour through what he described as “tiny acoustic fingerprints.”
He noted that many people unknowingly grant extensive permissions to apps, such as microphone, camera, and location access, creating loopholes that allow companies — and in high-risk cases, even cybercriminals — to track user activity.
“The more convenient things become, the more freedom we sell,” he said. “Most of the apps we install request dozens of permissions, and once you accept, you’ve given them access to vital parts of your device.”
David warned that third-party apps and cracked software pose the highest risk, as they may carry malware capable of spying on users, draining battery life, taking screenshots without permission, and transmitting information to unknown servers. He also highlighted the dangers of cloud backups. Although WhatsApp messages are end-to-end encrypted during chats, many users store their chat history in the cloud without enabling encrypted backup, meaning law enforcement or third parties could potentially access them in plain text.
To improve privacy, he advised users to review app permissions regularly, avoid installing unknown apps, manage website cookies, and opt for more secure platforms like Signal. He added that large technology companies and AI developers continue to collect massive amounts of data globally, often under the justification of personalisation and security — raising concerns about how much information these systems are learning from users.
“We must understand that the moment we use technology, a part of our privacy is exchanged,” he said. “The goal is not fear, but awareness.”
