It was so much better 20 years ago when all the shitty proprietary data harvesting apps came pre-installed with Windows.

(Yeah, I know they still do that, just slightly more covertly.)

One potential solution is to use an old phone and keep accounts/apps that you HAVE to deal with solely on that device. Dont use the device for anything else. Use it only on wifi. Keep it at home.

Honestly its fucking annoying literally had to make several user profiles just for my work life and my other invasive activities

I use the work profile via Insular/Island, and certain apps I don't like but do want I put in there, and freeze whenever not in use.

I also hate apps which request for unnecessary permissions. I have a dashcam which has an app to view the recorded videos. The app requires bluetooth as well as gps location info. Bluetooth is understandable but I don't see the need for GPS. Unfortunately for me I can't seem to get mock locations working properly on my phone. It also refuses to work if i do not give it location permission. :(

I'm totally sure all these shithouse apps adhere only to the strictest standards in regards to data security also...

I've moved mostly to progressive web apps that truly stop when you close them. For sure they will try to use trackers when they're running but you can stop that with pihole or NextDNS if you're on the move with your mobile. You can regain some control if you have the motivation to do so. If you have to install an app, you can still block tracking via these methods and more.

Lol. This is how I know I'm old.

From 2013. https://www.reddit.com/r/web_design/comments/1e5acw/ha_i_dont_want_your_fucking_app/

Wait until you need an app to visit your child's grave

Feels like we're in a TechnoFuedal society