Right to Privacy: iOS vs. Android

Privacy is the natural fundamental right of human beings. Where justice is rational, privacy becomes the inherent privileges of the people. Today, our privacy is all concerned with digital technologies. With the evolution of the Internet, social media, digital communication channels, we become more susceptive to privacy leaks. Today, Mobiles and Laptops are a necessity of humankind. Big businesses run on social media and e-tailing. There is competition everywhere to increase the visibility of companies and brands. Data mining, data analysis are the center of privacy leaks. In such a zig-zag path it's very tough to maintain our privacy.

Today, there are 2 prominent platforms from where most of the digital activities are getting executed.

1. Android Platform and

2. iOS Platform

Even though there exist windows, blackberry too but the majority of digital activities are nowadays performed through Android and iOS. These two technologies or you can say operating systems are powering most of the mobile technology. Big brands like Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, Vivo, Motorola, Sony, LG are using these software. Today, we will compare iOS vs. Android on Safety, Security and Privacy parameters.

• iOS or iPhone:

IOS is more secure than any Android device irrespective of it belongs to Google or Samsung. At the same time, it is also interesting that Android mobiles have a market share of 70% whereas, iOS is limited to 30% across the globe. The major factor behind Android's enormous market share is its price. A good Android phone costs you US dollars 180 to 200 but you have to pay just more than double of it; say US dollars 360 to 400 for a good iPhone.

What makes iOS safe and unique?

1. Closed source code:

Apple's iOS is known for its closed source code. Apple never gives the source code of iOS to third-party developers and intermediaries. Even, the owners of the iOS operating system are not being able to upgrade or change the version of an iPhone. So third party hidden software integration is not possible. Closed source code, by no way, can be found out by hackers and spammers unless the manufacturer discloses it.

2. Just one Player:

iOS - iPhone, iPad, iPod belongs to a single manufacturer, developer and that is Apple. That way iOS has been played in Apple's hands only. While Android has a lot of manufacturers, even some of them don't withstand basic security requirements. In the developing nations where price is the top priority and at the same time aspirations level is very high, people don't care about Safety, Security and Privacy features. They want more and more in cheaper prices which is why Android developers compromise their security with inbuilt software collaborations that in turn record and transmits their digital activities to a third-party server. Based on data manipulation, third parties sell specific information to marketers and politicos.

3. Timely Update Release:

Apple releases iOS updates as and when it is required. For iPhone users, it is a big event to install updates as Apple starts announcing any update release from a sufficient time lag. In the case of Android, all the manufacturers do not release a timely update which increases the vulnerabilities of a cheap smartphone.

4. AppStore:

AppStore apps give more security as compared to the Google Play Store. The reason behind, Apple makes it apps by self but Android phones have third party apps built-in with ads and data transferring modules. However, the iOS platform has certain limitations and it doesn't provide the versatility which the Android platform provides.

5. AppleMaps:

AppleMaps came in 2012, while Google Maps started working in 2005. Still, AppleMaps has better privacy prospects. It doesn't allow third-party apps to collaborate with.

• Android:

Undoubtedly, Android is more popular than iOS, especially in developing countries. The reason behind it is cheap price, easy availability, and the rise of the Chinese smartphone industry. In the mobile world, new ventures have a space to flow based on the Android platform. That's why heavily populated countries like India and China are becoming a hub for the Android market. The performance of high-end smartphones are exceptionally well. The versatility has increased with so many hands attach to bring it special day by day. But, for sure there are security vulnerabilities attach to it.

What makes Android susceptible to Security?

1. Open Source Code: 

Android developers provide its source generation code to several agencies to further integrate their apps with it. This increases the vulnerabilities of the android system because the third party integrates it with those apps which help data mining. No doubt, it enhances the user experience but at a risk.

2. Multiple Android Players:

There are so many companies indulged in customization of the android system. So, the susceptibility mounts heavily. “Maintaining the secrecy alone is easy than maintaining the secrecy in a group.” It's so simple as this.

3. Google Play Store:

Google is a giant company and most of the android functions are made as per the google developers' platform. Google is one who keeps your privacy on top of the agenda but those integrate google platform in their services are in question. Many third-party apps are available in the google play store, free of cost. Google does track these apps daily but, somehow some apps serve hackers and spammers' purposes.

However, this is not the end of the story. Hackers and spammers are not just dependent on system hacking. They can accumulate your privacy in several ways. They can get your data on social networking sites as well as by the way of voice calls. So, ultimately it's you who can keep your privacy private………….

• Refrain from installing a third-party app if it is not available in Play Store or Apple Store.

• Turn on the safety measures of your browser.

• Don’t open any link blindly. If you trust the source then only open it in an incognito tab.

• Install a good security software like Norton and Quickheal.

• Don’t respond to a person on social media sites before verifying. 

• This doesn’t mean you can’t socialize on social media platforms but be attentive always.

• Never reveal your personal information on wicked apps and websites.

• Always update your firmware.

• Turn on automatic updates of your system.

These are some of the tricks by which you can reduce your privacy leak. Be always in your mind “Prevention is always better than cure.”