HD Streamz Collecting Users Personal Information and More!
HD Streamz recently pushed an update to users which concerned us. We then checked the Terms and Policies and there are things which majority of users won’t be aware of. The most SCARY part is what they are requesting in the update. So today we will talk about HD Streamz Collecting Users Personal Information and More!
What is HD Streamz
HD Streamz is an Android application which allows you to access Live TV streams. It has numerous different countries to choose from and has thousands of Live TV channels on the app. Although this sounds great for the end user, many of us don’t check the terms and policies.
The app has been around for a long time now and was found to be one of the best Live TV apps around. Comparing to such as Swift Streamz, Mobdro and many more. But it’s only recently we found that HD Streamz are wanting to use the end user for their benefit, and also collect personal data.
What Does The App Collect
There are 2 different types of data HD Streamz collects but one is optional. But many may not know what the app is actually requesting.
Personal Information
As we all know when using apps of this nature you should always use a VPN. If you don’t have one already we will tell you more later in the post (and no a vpn isn’t only used so your internet provider can’t see you activity online).
Most people either won’t know or won’t care that an app collects personal information, or may not know why the information is collected. The terms and policies listed on the HD Streamz Official website openly state what personal information they collect and why. Which in one sense is a good thing as they’re not hiding it, but it’s also not a good thing. Below we will quote just a couple of things in regards to collecting user information.
Personal Data
While using our Service, we may ask you to provide us with certain personally identifiable information that can be used to contact or identify you (“Personal Data”). Personally identifiable information may include, but is not limited to:
- Email address
- First name and last name
- Cookies and Usage Data
Usage Data
When you access the Service by or through a mobile device, we may collect certain information automatically, including, but not limited to, the type of mobile device you use, your mobile device unique ID, the IP address of your mobile device, your mobile operating system, the type of mobile Internet browser you use, unique device identifiers and other diagnostic data (“Usage Data”).
So above we see just a little glimpse of user information HD Streamz is collecting, and not that it states “not limited to”. So now let’s take a look at why this information is collected. Although HD Streamz states that the reason data is collected is to maintain the app, there is also a legal requirements section. See the quote of that below.
HD Streamz may disclose your Personal Data in the good faith belief that such action is necessary to:
- comply with a legal obligation
- protect and defend the rights or property of HD Streamz
- prevent or investigate possible wrongdoing in connection with the Service
- protect the personal safety of users of the Service or the public
- protect against legal liability
So as you can see just those two sections alone are not what anybody wants to see. Basically HD Streamz will try to collect as much personal information as possible. Telling users that data would be passed over to legal authorities if requested. But also we don’t know if this information is also distributed to any third parties.
Requesting Users To Share Idle Resources
This is the scary one for users not using a vpn. We have come to accept that most apps collect some kind of personal information, but this request is something we would recommend you stay away from.
HD Streamz are proposing that in return for an ad free app that the user shares their devices idle resources. The app clearly states that it will be used for your IP Address only, But this is not something you want to share.
The image above shows how your IP Address will be used. By agreeing to this you are willingly giving permission for HD Streamz to take your IP Address and sell to a third party. Luminati is the worlds largest Proxy Service, and has over 35 million residential IP Addresses worldwide.
As you can see from the diagram in the image people go through your device. Although it says approved business this isn’t usually the case. So a random person connects to Luminati which then connects to your device. Now the random person can browse the web as though they are you. This will also use your internet data you have with your phone contract.
Bear in mind anything the random user searches or downloads online will look like it’s you. So your ISP can see you’re doing something illegal. although it’s not you it will sure look like it. People also want residential proxies for fraud purposes to use such as stolen credit card details.
This is a reason we also stress using a vpn, as this is information you don’t want getting into the wrong hands.
This isn’t scare mongering in any way, it’s reality.
See The Video Below Which May Better Explain This!
How Would A VPN Help
A lot of people don’t believe in vpn’s or think they are only recommended for affiliates to earn money with commission. Above you can see another strong reason why a vpn should be used when using any unofficial app.
A vpn will stop any app being able to see your actual IP Address, which in turn doesn’t put your IP at risk of being sold as a residential proxy. It will also stop you internet service provider form being able to see what you are browsing online. These are just 2 strong reasons why a vpn is recommended, but there are many more benefits too. Such as unlocking region locked content, blocked servers, online protection etc.
Software Based VPN’s
We have a list of Free VPN’s you can use in our Downloads Section, but once again these could collect the same data. Although the Free Vpn’s are there for those who want to try them. Below you will find the premium vpn’s we have tested and deem to work best on all platforms and devices.
- IPVanish (upto 57% Off Click Here)
- Nord VPN (upto 75% Off Click Here)
- Express VPN (30 day money back guarantee)
Above are the 3 best and most trusted software based vpn’s. A software based vpn is where you will install an app. After installing the app you login with the details after purchase and connect to a vpn server. IPVanish allow upto 10 devices connected at the same time.
VPN Router
You can also purchase VPN Routers which allow you to connect unlimited devices. The way it works is you connect to your normal router and it then gives off its own Wi-Fi signal. You simply connect as you would to your regular internet, so no additional apps need installing. You can watch a video that explains them more here.
We personally recommend the Hidden Router as the product is better than any other vpn router we have tested. With no drop in connection speed and the best support we have come across, makes it great. It’s expected this is more than a software based vpn due to having to purchase a physical product also. But I found it to be the best for connection speeds and less hassle to connect. VISIT HIDDEN ROUTER HERE. You can also use the discount code FREETECH to save some pennies.
IMPORTANT: When installing third party apps to your device it’s recommended to use a VPN. This allows you to hide your IP Address so nobody can see what you are viewing. It also allows region locked content and more links to show. Visit the Best VPN for Android Devices. Official Site
Legal Notice: The streaming apps and covered on the Letscrackon website may include copyrighted content. Users should only use these app’s to access media that falls under Public Domain status and is not protected by copyright. We do not condone any form of Piracy or streaming content you do not own. We also do not know what license this specific apk may have or not have. Please check these details before you use any APPS. Please check your countries laws regarding content owners and rights for streaming.
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