A simple setting on your smartphone could be sharing more information than you realize.
Technology experts are reminding Americans to regularly review the privacy and location settings on their phones, particularly after installing new apps or accepting software updates.
Many apps request access to information such as location, contacts, photos or microphone functions. In some cases, users may approve these permissions without realizing how much access they have granted.
Experts recommend opening the privacy settings on your phone and checking which applications currently have access to sensitive features.
If an app no longer needs access, users can often turn the permission off.
The process only takes a few minutes — but it could help Americans better understand what information their devices are sharing.
For older Americans who use smartphones for banking, shopping, communication and storing personal photos, experts say reviewing these settings should become a regular habit.
