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Question: It seems like every time I turn around, an app wants my permission to collect my location data. Why is that?
Answer: Apps collect location data for a variety of reasons. Some apps use specific location data to give you maps, coupons for nearby stores, or information about who you might know nearby. Some provide location data to ad networks, which may combine it with other information in their databases to target ads based on your interests and your location. Technically, very few apps absolutely need your location. Most of the time, granting permission to use your location data is just an added convenience for you, since it bypasses a manual step that you would have to take otherwise. For example, you could manually enter your zip code for a lot of different apps that normally would use your phone’s GPS (like weather apps and shopping apps). But most of the time, it’s easier and faster to have apps figure out our location for us. Some apps, such as navigation ones, are completely useless without enabling location services. After all, without knowing your exact location, Google Maps would have no idea when to tell you to turn left onto that street coming up in 300 feet. Once an app has your permission to access your location data, it can do so until you change the settings on your phone. If you don’t want to share your location with advertising networks, you can turn off location services in your phone’s settings. But if you do that, apps won’t be able to give you information based on your location unless you enter it yourself. |
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News
COOKING DEMO
COOKING DEMO
CUSTOMER ALERT
CUSTOMER ALERT
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Excited about getting vaccinated against COVID-19, many people in recent months have posted photos of their vaccination card on social media. Unfortunately, scammers are using the images to make and sell fake vaccination cards.
As some venues and destinations start requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination, the official Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cards given to those who get immunized have become a hot commodity on the black market. Fake vaccine cards have sold for hundreds of dollars on major platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and eBay. For this reason, the FBI has advised against posting photos of your vaccination card on social media. If you want to inform friends and family that you got your shots, simply post a selfie with the vaccination site in the background. You can also add a frame to your Facebook Profile photo that says “We Can Do This — I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine.” Another reason not to share your vaccination card on social media is the risk of identity theft, since the card bears your name and date of birth. Scammers can use this information to gather more about you on the dark web. They can even contact you after your first shot, posing as someone rescheduling or confirming your second shot, to ask for your Social Security number. |
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SRT Technician Receives Minot Chamber EDC Eagle Award
SRT Technician Receives Minot Chamber EDC Eagle Award
SRT Combination Technician Brady Keller received Minot Chamber EDC‘s Eagle Award earlier this month. The Eagle Award recognizes excellence in customer service, and the recipient must be nominated to receive this award.
Brady was nominated by SRT customer Shannon, who said, “Brady came to my home to install Wi-Fi. He was actually early and no one was home so he said, ‘Oh, we’ll just make another call first and come back.’ My daughter was supposed to be home but was running late when they came back, but the front door was open so I told him he could go inside. We have two small dogs who sometimes bark at strangers so when I got to the house I apologized for them. He was as nice as could be–said the dogs were no problem and he just got to work. When my daughter got home and I left, he explained everything to her, as well as which equipment needed to be returned to my previous provider. I was very impressed by this young man’s patience, expertise and customer service.”
Congratulations Brady, and thank you for taking great care of our customers!
SITES OF THE MONTH
SITES OF THE MONTH
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