As the dictum goes, “there is nothing free in this world” so in today’s digital age, where almost every service is just a click away, free offers often come with dearly hidden costs. One increasingly popular trend these days’ people are passionate with is “free astrology services” that promise personalised horoscopes, compatibility checks, and future predictions—all for no obvious charge. While these offers may seem harmless or even intriguing, they could be covertly compromising your data and privacy.
Here’s a tentative list which one should know about the involved damaging risks.
How to decipher ways of the Data Collection and theft:
For using these “free” services, users are often required to provide personal information, such as:
• Name: A basic but vital piece of information for identifying the profile.
• Date, Time, and Place of Birth: Essential for astrology calculations but also highly specific identifiers.
• Email Address and Phone Number: Often used for targeted marketing or, worse, phishing scams.
• Relationship Status: Information that can be exploited for marketing or sold to advertisers or for blackmailing so common these days.
Some services even provoke users to share intimate details about their lives, habits, or future aspirations. What might feel like an innocent sharing of details for a horoscope can turn into a goldmine of information for data harvesters and for exploitation in various ways.
How Your Data Might Be Used
Many of these “free astrology services” operate on a business model centered around data collection and monetization. Here’s how your data might be exploited:
• Sold to Third Parties: Your data could be sold to advertisers or data brokers who use it to create targeted marketing campaigns.
• Phishing and Scams: With access to your contact information and personal details, hackers may launch phishing attempts or censuring theft or putting criminal blames.
• Behavioral Profiling: By analyzing your responses and inputs, companies can create a psychological profile, which is always sold to marketers or even used for manipulative advertising.
• Future Data Breaches: Small or unregulated platforms are often vulnerable to hacking, putting your sensitive data at risk of exposure.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Here are some alarming signs that a free astrology service might not have you as a beneficiary:
• Pushy Marketing: Repeated prompts to upgrade to a “premium” version or aggressive email campaigns can indicate that your data is being monetized.
• Excessive Permissions: Some services request access to your social media accounts, location, or even payment information—none of which should be necessary for a free horoscope.
• No Credible Source: If the website or app lacks reviews, has no identifiable owner, or appears hastily created, it’s better to steer clear.
• Vague Privacy Policies: If the platform doesn’t clearly outline how your data will be used or stored, consider it as a danger sign.
How to Protect Yourself
• Limit Information Sharing: Provide only the bare minimum information required, and avoid sharing sensitive details like your full name, birth time, or contact info unless absolutely necessary.
• Read Privacy Policies: While tedious, this step can help you understand how your data will be used.
• Use Temporary Emails: Consider using a temporary or secondary email address for such services to avoid spam or phishing attempts.
• Enable Privacy Tools: Use browser extensions or VPNs to protect your online footprint and block tracking scripts.
• Verify the Source: Stick to reputable astrology platforms with established privacy practices and positive reviews.
Remember that if something is free, you are likely the product. The lure of free astrology services is understandable but Many people seek guidance or entertainment through horoscopes, and the promise of a ‘personalised’ experience can feel irresistible. However, it’s important to protecting your privacy is more important than a fleeting prediction about your future.
Your data—and your privacy—are far more valuable than a free horoscope So, before you input your personal details into an online astrology service, take a moment to consider the potential risks.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publication.
Published In: www.businessworld.in