We all use free software and web applications every day. Most people’s first action of the day is to open a browser, use a search engine, or log into their (free) social media accounts.
Web designers and content creators are no exceptions. They need infographics, logos, presentations, and other media for work or inspiration. They’re constantly looking for new tools, and since using many different tools can cost a bundle, it’s natural for them to look for free options.
Is there a catch? Are these free apps safe? Let’s look at the pros and cons of free apps and software.
The Pros of Free Apps
On the surface, free apps may appear safe and indispensable. They are a boon when budgets are tight or if you already use a range of premium tools that lack just one tiny functionality. Exploring new software also helps people stay on top of new trends and learn new skills.
However, free tools could carry large risks in terms of both data privacy and data security.
The Cons of Free Apps
Firstly, free apps are never truly free. The hidden price tag is that they collect as much data as possible to sell, trade, or swap in nebulous advertising partnerships with unnamed third parties. The thirst for data goes far beyond your personal information and preferences and into buying patterns, internet habits, medical history, and even physical location.
Secondly, data privacy is critical to cybersecurity, so how apps collect, store, handle, and share your data matters. Sadly, free apps aren’t noted for their good data security practices, making them soft targets for cybercriminals.
Thirdly, free apps may have maliciously built-in security risks. For example, hackers sometimes disguise malware as innocent tools. The disguised viruses or ransomware can steal sensitive data or allow intruders to control your device remotely. Don’t download software without malware protection that can scan a download before you open it. That’s especially true if you use a Windows or Android device. Their market share is bigger, and it follows that more cybercriminals target them.
Other Well-Known Dangers of Free Apps
- Anyone looking for free software or content should avoid sketchy download sites. Cybercriminals often bundle malware with legitimate, well-known software.
- Mobile phones are even more vulnerable than laptops and other devices. Many content creators, TikTokers, or influencers use mobile apps for fun cosmetic filters or photo editing on the fly. Unfortunately, despite vetting procedures, all app stores harbour hundreds of fake apps.
- Web developers must guard against unsafe APIs when connecting free applications to client websites. In free software, authentication mechanisms are often implemented incorrectly, which can have catastrophic effects on data security.
Are Paid Apps Safer Than Free Apps?
Generally, paid apps and the limited “freemium” app versions are more secure than free apps. Free apps often have serious security flaws, and their privacy policies aren’t worth the paper or, in this case, the space on our screens. However, the developers of these sketchy apps have a captive audience. People with no choice but to use free apps are more likely to accept imperfections or shoddiness.
Paying users want value for money. They won’t overlook poor quality. Therefore, developers of premium apps generally take more care to tighten security loopholes and are more likely to stick to their published privacy policy. If you’re a premium user, you may have some recourse to consumer protection and data privacy regulations. If something goes wrong, you may be able to get redress. It’s generally better to invest in a paid solution.
Do Paid Apps Offer More Privacy Than Free Apps?
Almost without exception, free apps are designed to slurp up all possible data points. Regardless, people have become relatively resigned to trading their personal data as payment for using free apps. You may be comfortable exchanging some private data for a once-off use of a free app.
Even premium apps don’t always respect your privacy. The unpalatable truth is that Big Tech often gets away with vague descriptions, mega-long documents of impenetrable legalese, and hiding the fine print. Nonetheless, premium apps may be a better choice for data privacy because their developers are generally more watchful about their data security practices. Data breaches can hit their bottom line, so they take better care to comply with privacy laws and regulations.
Content Tools That Have a Privacy/Security Tradeoff
For those times when you need a free content tool and consent to invasive tracking, we’ve listed a few notable apps for web designers and content creators.
- Multifunction tools: Multifunction tools can help you write content, do research, or check your code. ChatGPT has been hogging the headlines. The older version is free, while the newest iteration is a paid app with enhanced capabilities. However, Google’s Gemini and Microsoft’s CoPilot perform well as enhanced writing and internet or media search tools. They use your data to train their newer versions, so never reveal sensitive information.
- Writing and editing tools: These are more focused on long-form writing but are racing to add additional functionality, using your work to learn and improve. Grammarly is a good example of this trend. It started as a writing assistant tool for grammar and spelling checks and punctuation suggestions. It grew to include style enhancements and some auto-writing. Furthermore, it’s not necessarily an improvement. A free or much cheaper grammar-checking app like Hemingway Editor functions equally well. Other alternatives are ProWritingAid or WhiteSmoke.
- Marketing materials and web copy: Tools in this category are amazingly quick (if somewhat repetitive) at writing product descriptions and other marketing copy. Try Copy.ai, Writesonic, or ContentBot. The free versions are usually very limited, but most tools offer a freemium or pay-per-use version. Just be careful not to share any personal or proprietary details!
- SEO and Search result trends analysis: The traditional market leaders like Moz Keyword Explorer and SEMRush cost a mint but allow you to run large projects with great precision. If you need a cheaper or free tool for exploring keywords and content ideas, you can look at SimilarWeb, BuzzSumo, Ubersuggest, Ahrefs Keywords Explorer, Answer the Public, or Google Trends. All these tools harvest some data, but Google stands out as the “insatiable one.”
- Design tools: If you need Adobe without the price tag or the tracking, look at Gimp. It’s open-source, free software that has been around for ages. Alternatively, you can try one of the multitude of browser-based, drag-and-drop content creation platforms. The free versions do a lot of tracking and have limited functionality. Still, they’re easy enough to use for creating simple graphics. One of the most popular platforms is Canva, which has a massive template library of social media graphics, posters, and even website design templates. Alternatives to Canva are Crello and PicMonkey. Use them in conjunction with free online tools that can change background colours to make them transparent: Try Fotor, Remove.bg, PhotoScissors, or PicsArt.
- Stock photos and videos: The two platforms that stand out are Pexels and Unsplash. They have vast libraries of free-to-download, high-quality, royalty-free images and videos. Although you don’t have to worry about licensing restrictions or fees, be kind to the creators by crediting their work wherever you use it. Alternatives include Pixabay, FreePik, StockSnap, and Burst if you work on the Shopify platform.
- Video editing software: OBS Studio’s professional video editing software is widely used by film and video industry professionals. It’s free and open-source and contains very advanced features. Other freemium or premium options are Avid Media Composer, Sony Vegas Pro, DaVinci Resolve, or Adobe Premiere Pro (which stands out as the insatiable data gobler).
Weighing up Privacy and Cybersecurity Risks
Free content tools can be tempting, especially if you don’t intend to use them often. Paid apps and “freemium” versions generally offer better security and privacy protection, plus potential recourse to consumer protection and data privacy regulations. However, even premium apps don’t always respect user privacy. Be mindful of the possible risks to your and client’s privacy and data security.
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Article by Pankaj Shah: DCP Web Designers
