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Is Freedom App Safe?

Is Freedom App Safe?

Laura Martisiute

January 24, 2025

Reading time: 4 minutes

If you use or plan to use the Freedom app, you need to know: Is Freedom app safe? 

Below, we explain whether Freedom app is: 

  • Safe to use. 
  • Good for privacy. 

We also look at some steps you can take to improve both your safety and privacy when using this online service. 

What Is Freedom App?

Freedom app is a productivity tool that blocks websites and apps. 

Freedom app

Users can make lists of sites and apps they want to block or, alternatively, block all websites except those they need to work or study. 

Freedom can block distractions at set times, e.g., during work or study. You can even block the whole internet and turn on “Locked Mode” to stop yourself from ending a Freedom session. 

The app works on Windows macOS, iOS, Android, and Chrome devices and can block distractions on all devices at once. Syncing keeps workspaces distraction-free, aiding focus on any device.

Other features include:

  • Ambient sounds.
  • Browser extensions (you can pause, limit, and monitor how much time you spend on distracting sites).
  • Session history.
  • Session annotation. 

The app works by blocking content locally on your device. On desktop clients, Freedom uses a combination of a local proxy and optional browser plugins, and on iOS clients, it uses a “limited VPN” that blocks content on the device.

Is Freedom Safe?

Depends on your definition of “safe.”

Freedom doesn’t advertise any security features, instead touting its ability to block any number of websites to enhance user productivity. 

In its privacy policy, Freedom says it uses a variety of procedures and technologies to keep user personal information protected and stores this information in protected operating environments not available to the public. 

When transmitted, personal information is protected using “strong cryptography.” 

In addition, Freedom says that all admin access to data requires multi-factor authentication.

Freedom gets a 4.3 out of 5.0 rating (from 3.5k ratings) on the App Store and a 4.5 out of 5.0 rating (from 6.2k reviews and 1m+ downloads) on Google Play

There are no data breaches associated with the Freedom app at the time of writing.

Is Freedom Private?

Again, depends on your definition of “private.” 

In its privacy policy, Freedom says that:

“One of the basic principles we’ve tried to follow in designing this service is that we ask for only the information we need to provide the service you’ve requested.”

From the privacy policy, it would appear that Freedom only collects log files. However, on Google Play, it says the app may collect device or other IDs, app info and performance, personal info like email address, and app activity. 

Freedom app "Data collected" section on Google Play

On the App Store, it says Freedom might collect your contact information, user content, and diagnostics. 

Freedom app "App Privacy" section on the App Store

Freedom says that it does not sell your data:

“We do not sell or trade your personally identifiable information (whether in return for compensation or otherwise). Our business is built around selling you a valuable product, not selling your data.” 

Plus, it says that it does not track your website or app use.

Freedom app information on whether it tracks your browsing

Overall, Freedom seems to get mixed reviews from online users. Some say they love it, whereas others say they don’t trust it.  

The Common Sense Privacy Program, which evaluates internet services from the perspective of kids’ privacy, gives Freedom a “Warning” rating. This means the app “Does not meet our recommendations for privacy and security practices.”

The Common Sense Privacy Program notes that while personal information is not sold or rented to third parties, it is shared for third-party marketing. 

In addition, it’s unclear whether the product displays personalized ads, whether data is used by third parties for their own purposes, whether a user’s information is used to track and target ads on other websites, or if the product uses data profiles.

How to Improve Your Safety and Privacy On Freedom

Follow the below steps for a safer and more private experience while using Freedom. 

  • Limit permissions. Only grant the necessary permissions for the features you need to use the Freedom app. 
  • Avoid logging into accounts during sessions. If possible, avoid logging into social media or email accounts during Freedom sessions. Even if the sites are allowed, maintaining minimal activity across personal accounts can help prevent unnecessary tracking or data collection by third-party websites.
  • Manage sync settings. Freedom syncs across devices to block distractions. While convenient, you can turn off sync on specific devices if you’re concerned about privacy, especially if you share devices with others.
  • Use a VPN. Using a VPN can make it harder for websites to track you. 
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Laura Martisiute is DeleteMe’s content marketing specialist. Her job is to help DeleteMe communicate vital privacy information to the people that need it. Since joining DeleteMe in 2020, Laura h…
Laura Martisiute is DeleteMe’s content marketing specialist. Her job is to help DeleteMe communicate vital privacy information to the people that need it. Since joining DeleteMe in 2020, Laura h…
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