# Security & Privacy Scorecard

## Beat the Microbead

## What This Means for You

Firebase Analytics and Google's advertising identifier are used to track app usage. User data stays on the device and is not sold or shared with third parties beyond standard Google services.

## Recommendation: Trustworthy

**Best For:** Shoppers wanting to avoid microplastics

## Key Findings

**Data Security** - 2 findings (1 medium, 1 low)

**Network Security** - 2 findings (1 medium, 1 low)

**Code Safety** - 0 findings

**Privacy** - 3 findings (1 high, 1 medium, 1 info)

## Privacy Concerns

### What Data is Collected

Firebase Analytics collects information about how the app is used, including which features are interacted with and how often. Google's advertising identifier links activity to a unique device ID used for ad targeting across other apps on the phone.

### Third-Party Data Sharing

Usage data is shared with Google through Firebase Analytics and Google Play Services. The app does not pass user information to other companies or data brokers.

## Understanding the Scores

| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Security | 95/100 |
| Privacy | 93/100 |
| Data Security | 97/100 |
| Network Security | 97/100 |
| Code Safety | 100/100 |
| Data Collection | 93/100 |
| Data Sharing | 100/100 |
| User Control | 93/100 |

## Positive Security Features

- The app limits data sharing to Firebase and Google's own services, keeping user information within Google's ecosystem.
- User history and preferences are stored locally on the device rather than uploaded to external servers.
- The app achieves a perfect code safety rating, reflecting careful engineering and high-quality implementation standards.

## Areas for Improvement

- Google's advertising identifier is active, which links activity within this app to a device-level ID used for targeting ads across other apps on the phone.
- Some communications between the app and external services could apply stronger safeguards, as user data may not be fully protected during transmission.
- The app's data collection settings offer limited options for users to reduce or opt out of usage tracking.

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## About This Analysis

### App Details

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| App | Beat the Microbead |
| Package | org.plasticsoupfoundation.microbeads |
| Version | 3.2.0 (Build 26) |
| Scan Date | 2026-03-07 |