I have no idea if this is what already happens, but I feel like it might be. (Why would each app have all these network connections when the system could just manage it instead?)

> you just don't use apps.

An app isn't an "app" if I don't install it?

I have banking "apps" and others which obviously do require internet access to function properly, but the hundreds of flashlight apps in the app store should not need the internet.

The app I use to back up my text messages and contacts does not need internet, but the other app that I use to copy those backup files and pictures off my phone to other computers does.

The sad thing is, even if I take steps to prevent others getting access to my contacts or text messages, sketchy companies will still get those same contacts and quite possibly most of those messages from everyone else.

We need "herd immunity" when it comes to digital privacy, but it's unlikely to ever happen.