Apps and syncing are very dangerous (in a 'data share' sort of way).
When you download an app, usually the first time you either order something from the app, or even want to save a picture, a pop-up will show up saying "Facebook (or whatever app you are using) would like access to your contacts", and you either hit "allow" or "deny"
Same with ordering via app, wants access to your contacts. Not just QVC, ordering anywhere. Only 1st time app is used for some purpose.
I always deny, but then I get stuck with not being able to do what I am trying to do. EXAMPLE: Twitter. Sometimes there is a meme or a pretty photo I like. If I try to save the photo (just because I like it), Twitter instantly says "allow Twitter access to your photo's". No way, I deny. Then it won't save it. If I "really" want it, I send it to myself via text, then open the text on my phone and save the photo by myself. No access allowed, Twitter. Just no.
Same with Facebook, I get a pop up saying "allow access to your contacts". I always deny.
And so on.....
Some people just hit "allow" because you can't go any further with whatever you want to do if you deny.
You only have to allow ONCE. Once you allow, your contact list is gone out to the Internet. If anyone thinks Facebook does not share contact lists, they are very trusting. Same with Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, all these social media apps.
It is called data mining. I don't shop via QVC's app because there is never as much information on the app as there is by going to my computer and seeing the whole webpage. I would think the Q's app probably has the same question "qvc wants to access your contacts". I have not shopped by app, but every other app I have ever used that question comes up.
It only takes ONCE, and some people just hit "allow" because they are in a hurry, distracted and don't really think it through, just get a "oh, fine...." and hit "allow". ONCE, all it takes.
Then the syncing and sharing of your contact list goes on without you even knowing it until something like what @Annabellethecat66 has encountered.
In this fast paced world, I bet most people do not even remember when the heck they might have hit "allow". Could have been moons ago, but that is how data mining works.
Hitting deny makes it a pain to have to go to my desktop and do what I want there, but I do not allow any app any access.
UNFORTUNATELY, guess what Windows 10 is? Microsoft is a HUGE data mine. There are many things on Windows 10 that you cannot even use unless you sign into a Microsoft account. And hidden within "privacy policy" is permission for them to collect info. No accept? No use. Period. Microsoft makes the rules and that is why they say "Windows 10 is the final Operating System". With Windows 10, after all the 'lead up' operating systems, they finally perfected being one giant data mine. There are billions of dollars to be made by sharing (selling) people's contact data, browsing data history, where you travel, what restaurants you visit, etc.(oh, look all the ads I am seeing on my Facebook page are all places I shop at. How did that happen?". Yea, I know how it happened.
Welcome to the new age of digital marketing and advertising. It is super tiring to keep opting out of targeted advertising. Opt out, but the minute you go back to that website, they get you again. Opt out again, round and round you go.
Almost no way around it now, except the good old fahsion way, a telephone. Even then, your info is being input to a computer every time you call to get info, place an order, etc. YOUR info. Not your whole conatact list. A teeny bit safer. But time consuming, and people don't have time anymore to sit through 18 prompts on a telephone to then sit on hold for 30 minutes.
Here is another example. I wanted to go to Nantucket. I looked up Natucket Chamber of Commerce. I called them on the phone to ask them to send me literature (the old fashioned way). Within a week I was seeing ads for Nantucket on my side screen ads. But at least calling by telephone, my whole contact list was not getting Nantucket ads.
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