Messenger, Pinterest, Lyft, Duolingo, Google Maps, Expedia Become Most Invasive Apps of 2025, Here is a New Update

Messenger, Pinterest, Lyft, Amazon Shopping, DoorDash – Food Delivery, Duolingo, Google Maps, WhatsApp Messenger, DoorDash – Dasher, Expedia become Most Invasive Apps of 2025, Here is a New Update that is alarming users worldwide. The latest 2025 App Privacy Index has revealed how these platforms collect, track, and store vast amounts of personal data. And now, here is a new update—the scale of this data collection is bigger than most people realise.

Messenger tops the chart with a perfect 100/100 privacy risk score, making it the most invasive app in the world. Pinterest, Lyft, and Amazon Shopping follow closely, each with scores that raise red flags about user privacy. DoorDash – Food Delivery and Duolingo also rank high, showing that food delivery and education apps can be just as data-hungry as social media. Meanwhile, Google Maps and WhatsApp Messenger highlight how location and communication tools are deeply involved in the Most Invasive Apps of 2025 list. Even DoorDash – Dasher and Expedia, often seen as purely functional services, are flagged for aggressive data collection.

This new update is a wake-up call. It proves that the Most Invasive Apps of 2025 are not limited to one category. Social media, navigation, shopping, travel, and even learning platforms are part of the same privacy risk landscape. Users are being urged to review app permissions, apply stricter privacy settings, and choose alternatives where possible. The Most Invasive Apps of 2025 ranking shows that digital convenience often comes at the cost of personal privacy.

The 2025 App Privacy Index has revealed the shocking scale of personal data collection by popular apps. Instagram, already facing backlash over its new Maps feature, ranks as the 12th most invasive app out of 100, with a worrying privacy score of 57/100. This report, released by design agency Tenscope, shows that 11 other apps collect even more personal data. The controversy highlights a growing global concern: how much information we give away in exchange for convenience. Users are now questioning whether the services they enjoy are worth the cost to their privacy.

Instagram’s Privacy Score and the Maps Controversy

Instagram’s 57/100 privacy score signals a serious data collection problem. Tenscope’s research, conducted right after the Maps backlash, confirms that Instagram has long collected extensive user data. The addition of a real-time location tracking feature ignited user frustration. Tenscope’s Creative Director, Jovan Babovic, explained that the outrage was inevitable. Users were already uneasy, and the new feature felt like the final invasion of their digital space. This is not about one update; it’s a symptom of deeper privacy issues.

Meta’s Widespread Data Collection Practices

The report highlights that Instagram is only one piece of Meta’s invasive ecosystem. Messenger is the worst offender, scoring 100/100 for privacy risk. WhatsApp ranks 8th with 60/100, and Facebook ranks 11th with 57/100. Four Meta-owned apps are in the top 15 most invasive globally. This shows a pattern of design choices prioritising corporate data needs over user control. It’s a coordinated approach that makes it harder for users to avoid Meta’s reach, no matter which platform they use.

The Top 10 Most Invasive Apps of 2025

Messenger tops the list with a perfect 100/100 score. Pinterest follows with 72/100, while Lyft and Amazon Shopping score 69 and 68 respectively. Food delivery giant DoorDash appears twice—its consumer app ranks 5th with 66/100, and its driver app ranks 9th with 58/100. Duolingo, Google Maps, WhatsApp, and Expedia round out the top 10. These scores show that privacy risks are not limited to social media. Apps across transport, shopping, travel, and education also collect significant amounts of personal data.

Privacy-Invasive Design Patterns

Tenscope’s analysis reveals three design patterns used to maximise data collection. First is the “All or Nothing” consent, where multiple permissions are bundled together, forcing users to agree or lose access. Second is the vague “Just-in-Time” request, which asks for ongoing access under the guise of a one-time need. Third is the “Hidden Settings Maze,” making it hard for users to revoke permissions. Instagram’s Maps feature is a clear example of the second pattern, tricking users into enabling ongoing location tracking.

Why This Matters for the Travel and Tourism Sector

Travel and tourism apps often rely on location data, but the index shows how this can be misused. Google Maps, at 60/100, is a key tool for travellers but also collects significant personal data. Apps like Expedia, ranking 10th, gather both travel itineraries and personal preferences, creating rich datasets for advertisers. For frequent travellers, these findings are critical. The more apps they use for booking, navigation, and communication, the more they expose their personal and location history to corporate servers.

The Apps Leading in Privacy-Conscious Design

Not all apps exploit user data. The report praises TeaOnHer, which scores 0/100, and ParentSquare, at 4/100, for delivering services without intrusive data harvesting. PowerSchool Mobile, Tea, and Sleeper also make the top five most privacy-friendly. These platforms prove that it’s possible to offer excellent user experiences while collecting minimal personal information. This is a key lesson for developers in the travel industry, where trust is essential. Privacy-conscious design can become a competitive advantage.

How Users Can Protect Themselves

The research provides practical advice. Users should first review permissions for the top-scoring invasive apps—Messenger, Pinterest, Lyft, Amazon Shopping, and DoorDash. The “Necessity Test” can help decide whether to grant access: does the app truly need this data to function? Monthly privacy checkups are recommended, especially for social media and delivery platforms. Finally, users can choose privacy-friendly alternatives like Microsoft Edge, which scores 11/100, instead of default browsers that collect more data.

A Growing Demand for Transparency

The backlash against Instagram Maps shows that user tolerance for hidden data collection is dropping. People want to know what information is being gathered, why it’s needed, and how it’s used. For companies in both tech and travel, transparency could become a major brand differentiator. Those who openly communicate data practices and offer clear opt-out options may win long-term loyalty. The report’s findings could be a turning point in how apps balance personalisation and privacy.

The Bigger Picture – Regulation and Industry Change

Governments worldwide are tightening data protection rules. The European Union’s GDPR and California’s CCPA have set strict requirements, but many apps continue to push boundaries. This latest research could fuel calls for stronger enforcement. If the travel sector learns from these findings, it can avoid the backlash seen in social media. Companies that embed privacy into their design from the start will not only comply with the law but also meet growing user expectations.

Conclusion – Privacy is the New Trust Currency

The 2025 App Privacy Index confirms that invasive data collection is a choice, not a necessity. Instagram’s Maps controversy is just the latest example of users pushing back. Meta’s dominance in the list of most invasive apps highlights how deeply entrenched these practices are. Yet, the success of privacy-first apps proves that change is possible. For the travel industry, and for app developers everywhere, the message is clear: respect privacy, and you will earn trust.

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