10 pub table service apps collecting the most personal data - from Wetherspoons to Greene King
A privacy watchdog has warned pub-goers about handing over personal data to venues via their table service apps.
Providing pubs, restaurants and bars with contact information has become commonplace over the course of the pandemic, but the ICO has suggested that some venues are collecting more than just a name and number.
A study conducted by Uswitch analysed the ten largest table services apps in the UK to reveal which pub brands request the most personal information from their users.
The worst offenders were found to ask for details of customer’s location, marital status, social media profile, interests and device information, among other categories, with the ICO suggesting venues may be asking for more personal data than is ‘relevant and necessary’.
Listed are the 10 table service apps which collect the most data from customers, with the apps asking for the least personal information list first. Uswitch analysed 24 categories of personal information which were used to calculate which apps asked for the more details. Images are for illustrative purposes only.
The worst offenders were found to ask for details of customer’s location, marital status, social media profile, interests and device information, among other categories, with the ICO suggesting venues may be asking for more personal data than is ‘relevant and necessary’.
5. DrinkApp
DrinkApp asked for 37.5 per cent of the 24 categories of personal information analysed in the study, asking users to provide their location and device details, email and phone number. Photo: LINDSEY PARNABY
6. Round App
Round App stores 37.5 per cent of the 24 personal information categories assessed, including users’ name, date of birth, phone number, email address and location. Photo: Lisa Maree Williams
7. Wetherspoons
Wetherspoons also asked for 37.5 per cent of the categories of personal details, with customers asked to hand over their phone number, email address and location, among others. The app also stores users' food and drink order history. Photo: ANDY BUCHANAN
8. Stonegate
Stonegate asked for 17.65 per cent more information than the average dining app in the study, including customers’ IP address, age, personal interests and device information. Photo: Shutterstock