We tested 6 popular apps to see what data they collect and share: CBC's Marketplace Cheat Sheet

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We tested 6 popular apps to see what data they collect and share. Here's what we found

(CBC)

Whether you are buying a coffee, groceries, checking the weather or unwinding with an online video, there's a free mobile app for just about everything.

But a Marketplace investigation shows the cost of this convenience is your privacy — and the data you're sharing goes far beyond what you might realize.

Marketplace tested six of the most popular Android and iOS apps in Canada to find out what data they collect and where it goes.

To do so, Joel Reardon, an associate professor in the department of computer science, and his team at the University of Calgary scanned the network traffic of the apps on an Android device. Privo, an organization that evaluates apps to ensure they comply with U.S. child privacy laws, also did a scan of the apps on iOS, Apple's operating system.

In their user policies, the apps we tested explicitly disclose they collect or share certain data and that when you use the app, you accept their terms.

But Reardon and Celeste Rollason, an independent analyst who used to work with Privo, are concerned some apps collect more than they need and are sharing what they learn with others around the world.

That data ranges from your name and email address to your exact whereabouts.

"To me, this is not the internet we wanted. This is not the internet we deserve. It's turned into a monstrous data collection surveillance system," Reardon said.

To find out which apps we tested and what we found, read our full investigation from Bobby Hristova, Kathleen Coughlin and Rosa Marchitelli.

LinkedIn, Monster take down over 1,000 fake job postings after CBC investigation

WATCH | Investigating who's behind hundreds of fake job postings:

Exposing who’s behind fake job ads online

November 12|

Duration

10:19

More than 1,500 misleading job postings — offering remote work, no experience needed — have been taken down from LinkedIn and Monster after a CBC News visual investigation revealed the listings funnelled unsuspecting applicants to a multi-level marketing (MLM) company that asked for money.

CBC News connected a network of travel-related pages posting suspicious jobs — positions like "Work From Home Travel Planner and Virtual Customer Support Representative" — to a U.S.-based MLM called Evolution Travel. Some of the roles promised to pay up to $75,000 US per year.

In reality, there was no job and no salary.

Applicants were quickly directed to join virtual information sessions, where they were asked to pay hundreds of dollars up front, followed by a monthly subscription fee. The program promised to teach members how to make money from booking travel as an independent agent and recruiting others into the program, taking a cut of their commissions.

The companies went by names like Wanderwell Collective, Professional Travel Hub, Remote-Careers, Sky Land & Ocean Travel and Sunkissed Getaways.

The job postings made no mention of Evolution Travel or sign-up fees.

"This is disgusting," said Jay Jones, a Chicago-based job listing investigator who CBC shared its findings with. "They catch you with the lure of the fake job. The money is great, [successful applicants] get to stay at home. You have to pay to get work — that's not how work works."

Misleading job postings — including ones that require payment or lead to MLMs — are strictly prohibited on platforms like LinkedIn and other job sites.

A representative from Evolution Travel who only identified themselves by their title, chief operating officer, told CBC News they have consistently told their independent agents not to post job ads on any platforms.

Read the full investigation from the CBC's Eric Szeto, Courteney Dorrington, Jordan Pearson and Ivan Angelovski.

Worst of beef price hikes may be over, but don't expect cheaper steak anytime soon

Beef is cut at Ben's Quality Meats, a processing facility in Picture Butte, Alta. Canada's cattle herd is beginning to recover after years of declining numbers but experts say high production costs will keep beef prices elevated. (Monty Kruger/CBC)

After years of soaring beef prices, Canadians may finally be getting a break from steep price increases when buying their favourite cut of steak or roast at the grocery store.

Beef prices rose 8.7 per cent in September compared with a year earlier and have climbed 55.5 per cent over the past five years, according to Statistics Canada.

Prices remain at record highs, but industry experts say there are signs of stability, with grocery store price tags remaining relatively flat for much of 2026. 

"The worst of the price jumps I would say are over," said Brenna Grant, executive director of Calgary-based beef statistics firm Canfax.

"We've had some really big price jumps in the last four years and any change going forward is going to be more moderate."

Read more from the CBC's Ina Sidhu.

What else is going on?

What Ottawa's 'RRSP for life' plan means for Canadian seniors

Experts say the plan cuts complexity, but ignores bigger issues for many Canadian seniors

Deadline nears to claim piece of $11-million CIBC mutual funds settlement

Investors who held CIBC or Renaissance mutual funds on or before Sept. 5, 2025, might be eligible

TV providers say Rogers' Monday hockey move inflates prices, 'erodes' sports viewing

In a statement, Sportsnet spokesperson Jason Jackson said the company would address all issues raised through the CRTC proceeding, "including Sportsnet's right to distribute content exclusively on Sportsnet Plus."

$276 for hair ties? Skims offers advent calendar refunds after online backlash

"For some, the calendar didn't meet expectations," said rep from Kim Kardashian's apparel brand

Marketplace needs your help

(David Abrahams/CBC, Shutterstock/Roxana Gonzalez)

Calling all shoppers: Have you noticed you're paying more for products these days and getting the same, or even less for your money? From protein to packaged foods, we want to hear from you. Share your examples of rising prices or shrinking sizes with us at marketplace@cbc.ca.

(Shutterstock/Roxana Gonzalez)

Are you heading to a game or show at a Canadian arena or stadium? We want to know how much you're spending on food and drinks inside. Help us crowdsource concessions costs!

Send us the venue location, date, a photo of your receipt and a photo of the item and price on the menu (The more detail the better. Getting a drink — what brand and size?) at marketplace@cbc.ca.