Incogni’s Research Lab

Incogni researchers investigate all things “data privacy.” Check out our latest findings on how apps, Chrome extensions, and smart devices collect and share your data and more.

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  Dating apps and privacy—how much (sensitive) data do users trade for romance?
  Since the invention of the smartphone, people have become increasingly dependent on apps for everything—including dating. Given their function, dating apps often deal with personal information that many would consider… Read more: Dating apps and privacy—how much (sensitive) data do users trade for romance?
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  The startling connection between dating apps and online harassment – users almost twice as likely to be victims
  Online harassment has become more severe over the years.1 The anonymity offered by the internet creates an environment where name-calling, belittling, and derisive comments have come to characterize how many… Read more: The startling connection between dating apps and online harassment – users almost twice as likely to be victims
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  The reality of data practices in online sports betting
  With the 2024 Super Bowl approaching, enthusiasts are flocking to their favorite betting apps to place wagers on the game’s outcome. While betting was mainly restricted to dedicated locations like… Read more: The reality of data practices in online sports betting
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  The hidden costs of using apparel shopping apps
  Fashion retailers, and online clothing stores will often entice shoppers to download and use their official apps rather than simply ordering through a website. They’ll sometimes even offer significant discounts… Read more: The hidden costs of using apparel shopping apps
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  Customers give more than they realize when buying gifts for loved ones, research shows
  The holiday season has long since become synonymous with gift-giving. You’re not alone if you’re convinced that the retail madness starts earlier and gets more intense with every passing year.… Read more: Customers give more than they realize when buying gifts for loved ones, research shows
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  1 in 2 popular apps collect data: an in-depth analysis of data collection in children’s Android apps
  Children are spending hours on their smartphones, whether playing mobile games or making use of educational apps. While the latter holds some merit, this also leaves parents facing the challenge… Read more: 1 in 2 popular apps collect data: an in-depth analysis of data collection in children’s Android apps
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  Imposter calls leading threat as robocalls steadily decline
  How many times have you picked up your phone this year only to be greeted by a robotic voice urging you to discuss an “important business matter”? Chances are, fewer… Read more: Imposter calls leading threat as robocalls steadily decline
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  Majority of elder fraud scams a result of personal data vulnerabilities
  As information technology continues to evolve at breakneck speeds, senior citizens are increasingly getting left behind. It’s easy to remember older relatives struggling to work a computer mouse in the… Read more: Majority of elder fraud scams a result of personal data vulnerabilities
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  Good for your wallet but not for your privacy: 60% of 20 popular budgeting apps share your data
  Sure, you might be smart with your money, but are you smart with your privacy? According to a survey commissioned by Forbes Advisor, most people get their financial advice from… Read more: Good for your wallet but not for your privacy: 60% of 20 popular budgeting apps share your data
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  AI Chrome extensions: convenience vs privacy and security
  So-called AI tools bring undeniable convenience, and even a touch of magic, to the table. It’s important, however, to understand the trade-offs in using these tools. Incogni’s researchers focused on… Read more: AI Chrome extensions: convenience vs privacy and security
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  Loyalty program illusion—inflated expectations meet minimal savings
  Loyalty programs seem like a great way to save money with seemingly no drawbacks. 90% of businesses offer such programs1, but are they worth it? To answer this question, we… Read more: Loyalty program illusion—inflated expectations meet minimal savings
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  Data brokers ramp up lobbying efforts, spending $143 million over three years
  Companies that collect and deal in people’s personal information — data brokers and their parent companies — have been quietly increasing their lobbying spending for years. In 2020, these companies… Read more: Data brokers ramp up lobbying efforts, spending $143 million over three years
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  Who owns your data? Top 6 companies buying up data brokers
  Who owns your data? Top 6 companies buying up data brokers Personal information is more valuable than ever, with the data broker industry expected to reach $365.71 billion by 2029.1… Read more: Who owns your data? Top 6 companies buying up data brokers
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  Are US Data Brokers Able to Protect the Personal Information They Deal In?
  Incogni’s researchers analyzed 506 registered, US-based data brokers and found that 23 (4.5%) of these companies have suffered data breaches. They examined the distribution of these breaches by state and… Read more: Are US Data Brokers Able to Protect the Personal Information They Deal In?
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  New Year’s Resolution or Data Distribution – are resolution apps sharing your data?
  With one in three New Year’s resolutions failing because people can’t keep track of them1, it’s no wonder many turn to apps as a solution. Though these apps may help… Read more: New Year’s Resolution or Data Distribution – are resolution apps sharing your data?
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  Stop Before You Shop – Are Your Shopping Apps Sharing Access to Your Device?
  In a recent consumer survey, 88% of respondents reported having at least one shopping app installed on their mobile device1. Given their popularity, you might think these apps are pretty… Read more: Stop Before You Shop – Are Your Shopping Apps Sharing Access to Your Device?
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  One More Chrome Extension? You Need an Intervention! – Chrome Extensions Research
  Our research shows that 1 in 2 Chrome extensions are poised to wreak havoc on your digital privacy and security. But what does that mean, exactly, and how did we… Read more: One More Chrome Extension? You Need an Intervention! – Chrome Extensions Research
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  Incogni: Men and women are equally unaware of how to protect their data
  Incogni: Men and women are equally unaware of how to protect their data Incogni survey of 2310 Americans revealed a gender gap in online privacy and security understanding. Nevertheless, both men… Read more: Incogni: Men and women are equally unaware of how to protect their data
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  Incogni estimates that it would take 300+ hours of work to complete even a single round of opt-out requests.
  Incogni estimates that it would take 300+ hours of work to complete even a single round of opt-out requests. There could be loads of your personal data floating around online,… Read more: Incogni estimates that it would take 300+ hours of work to complete even a single round of opt-out requests.
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  Research: 80% of Americans say the US government isn’t doing enough to protect their privacy online
  Research: 80% of Americans say the US government isn’t doing enough to protect their privacy online A recent survey of 2310 Americans conducted by data privacy agent Incogni on user… Read more: Research: 80% of Americans say the US government isn’t doing enough to protect their privacy online