Websites and apps manipulate search results and pricing based on user location, search & browsing history, gender, etc.

Companies are creating a "reputation score" based on user's social media and online tracking. This is increasing being used by potential employers, university admissions officers, banks (loans), and insurance companies for screening applicants.

User data is the currency of the internet. Large companies called Data Brokers are openly buying and selling intrusive user data from all parties.

It has become easier for criminals or unethical foriegn entities to track employees or steal confidential data from their devices.

Users can download apps that have trojans that can spy on their banking apps and steal their login/passwords. Recent Trojans such as Svpeng also can auto update their code.

Android ransomware can lock a victim’s phone by changing the device’s PIN and encrypts all the data stored in the device. This makes it nearly impossible for victims to access their data without paying a ransom.

Once user downloads a malicious apps, it is possible for the app to get access to their mic, location, camera, phone calls, text messages, and files on the device. They can also monitor other apps. This allows hackers to remotely track users.

Your Android device can get infected when you download Apps from Google PlayStore or elsewhere containing malware, or when you innocently click on a misleading link in a text message or email. Once downloaded, the Trojans or malware can remain dormant for long periods and then be remotely activated by their authors to then participate in secret and illegal global cyber attacks.