Companies want to pay you for allowing them to watch your browsing habits
To onlookers it may look like Pete Amend is simply surfing the web on his smartphone, but he is actually making money right now just for installing an app.
"It just automatically works in the background."
The app collects info about the sites Amend visits. He installed the program on his tablet and laptop, too, for a bigger payout-- $5per device which adds up to $15 per month.
"It is great having the extra money for just letting an app run, you know, checking my browsing history."
We found a number of apps that track what you surf and either allow you to enter for prizes or, some will give you cash, like the one Amend uses.
"We turn it into things that our clients can actually analyze such as the actual apps used, the web sites visited, the videos watched," said Sean Miller, SavvyConnect.
The makers of the apps we talked to say the info they collect helps companies identify trends, improve their products, and even spark new ideas. Users' data is guarded by top notch security systems and their clients don't know exactly "who" those users are.
"The data is delivered to our clients tied to a unique member ID, not the actual individual. So, our clients will know that a male, aged 35, in Ohio used the YouTube app, but they don't necessarily know who the person is," said Miller.
A privacy expert said it is a good idea to read the app's terms of service and privacy policies before you trade your info for cash.
"What data are you collecting? What are you going to do with the data? Who are you giving the data to? Who uses it or who are you selling it to?"
Amend said he feels comfortable using the app and likes knowing his information can help others.
"It's an enjoyable way to make money and I'm glad I'm helping their research."
Some companies also pay people extra money, like $15 to $75 for answering surveys, participating in studies and watching ads.
For more information on the apps click on the links below.
