What do you know about privacy policies for your apps?

If you have a smart phone, pay attention. We've got some important information when it comes to your privacy.

A new study is out right now from the "Future of Privacy Forum." It shows app developers are now responding to increased pressure to put privacy policies on their apps. However, is it enough and do you even know where those policies are and if your apps have them?
If you have a smart phone, chances are you have downloaded an app. Maybe a friend told you about a great app you had to get.
Whether it's free or you pay for it, before you hit the download button, you better do some research first.
The app industry is booming. And you can find an app for just about everything. Before you download or install the app, check to see if there's a privacy policy.
Darien Hill is an Internet Consultant with YDG Mobile and said you need to be watchful of your information.
"It's important because as a consumer the data is your information," Hill said.
That means your personal information like your phone number, email and address book that some developers could access.
"Companies are taking that information for marketing purposes," Hill said.
Here's a catch you may not realize too. The industry is currently not regulated, which means many apps may not "clearly" have privacy policies. Instead, you may see something called a push notification asking if you'd like to be on their mailing list. By tapping yes, you are giving the company permission.
A company may ask for your email address or right under the app, there may be a description.
The bottom line do your research beforehand.
"Consumers need to be protected. Most companies are good companies but there are individuals out there that will use this software to steal your data," Hill said.
One more important thing Darien said is to watch out for a free app doesn't necessarily mean free" and can come with a price. Those free apps have ads and if you have children, be especially careful, as you may not know what the ads are that you could be exposing your children to.
Hill said he expects the app industry will be more tightly regulated soon and exact more specific guidelines could be put in place.