Twitter app graph raises privacy concerns as it tracks installed third-party apps

In an effort to build a more personalized experience, Twitter has announced it will be collecting a list of user-installed applications on iOS and Android smartphone as part of its app graph program. Though Twitter says it will not be collecting data inside those apps, users who do not wish to participate can opt out.

Twitter wrote:

We are only collecting the list of applications you have installed. We are not collecting any data within the applications.

The social network claims that the collection of a list of installed apps on your device will help it curate content for your Twitter timeline:

• Improved "who to follow" suggestions that share similar interests.
• Adding Tweets, accounts, or other content to your timeline that we think you'll find especially interesting.
• Showing you more relevant promoted content.

Users who wish to opt out of the app graph campaign could do so by adjusting their privacy settings within the Twitter app. On iOS, Twitter suggests you take the following actions:

• From the Me tab, tap the gear icon
• Tap Settings.
• Tap the account you'd like to adjust.
• Under Privacy, you can adjust the setting to Tailor Twitter based on my apps.

Source: Twitter