PermissionResearch

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PermissionResearch Review 

PermissionResearch is a market research community created by TMRG (a ComScore company). They use a range of methods to collect data from research participants, including data tracking apps. In this review, we’ll go through the pros and cons of giving a company access to how you surf on the web, and what you can expect in terms of rewards. 

What’s the concept?

Comscore is a digital analytics company that provides audience measurement and advertising metrics to publishers, advertisers, and agencies. One of the ways that Comscore tracks cross-device online behaviour is through its PermissionResearch app.

The PermissionResearch app is an opt-in program that users can install on their devices, including desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Once installed, the app collects data on the user’s online behaviour, such as the websites they visit, the apps they use, and the searches they conduct. The app uses various methods to track this behaviour, including cookies, web beacons, and device IDs.

Comscore aggregates the data collected from the PermissionResearch app across multiple devices to create a comprehensive picture of a user’s online behaviour. This allows Comscore to track cross-device behaviour, such as when a user starts a search on their smartphone and finishes it on their laptop. Comscore can also track the same user across multiple apps and websites, providing insights into their behaviour across different platforms.

It’s important to remember that participation in PermissionResearch’s community involves installing software which monitors online activity. While in the world of market research, this might seem like a perfectly normal thing, it does raise concerns about data privacy and control over how sensitive personal data is shared. Note that PermissionResearch does not gather any information such as credit card numbers or social security numbers.

Is PermissionResearch legit?

In our opinion, PermissionResearch cannot be considered entirely legitimate if possible malware has been detected by multiple anti-virus scanners. While the presence of possible malware does not necessarily mean that the app is malicious or harmful, it does raise concerns about the safety and security of the app.

Legitimate apps are expected to be free from any malware or potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) that could compromise the user’s privacy, security, or overall user experience.

permissionresearch blocked by Malwarebytes

Malwarebytes automatically blocks PermissionResearch.com

What type of data will I be sharing?

PermissionResearch collects a range of computer and device information, which includes online identifiers (e.g., cookie ID, device ID, etc.), IP address, and geolocation inferred from the IP address. Types of data collected may include:

  • Browser behaviour (including cookies, device id, IP address and geolocation)
  • Software information
  • Operating system information
  • Speed of the computer processor
  • Memory capacity
  • Internet connection speed
  • Device type and configuration
  • Type of devices connected to the computer or network (such as the type of printer or router in use).
permission research malware detected

Multiple anti-virus scanners have detected possible malware in the software from TMRG/Comscore, including avast!, Bitdefender, Malwarebytes, Sophos, Norman and AVG.

In addition, the company gathers information regarding web browsing activities and app usage on the device. This may include data on the Internet or other network activity, keystrokes and clicks, the duration spent on a specific website, the type of content accessed on websites and apps, as well as the context and location of specific content on individual web pages.

The company may also collect any information that is accessible through these websites or applications, such as search queries or information submitted. Furthermore, select email header information from web-based emails, data on software downloads or usage, and details about the utilization of video streaming services may also be gathered.

The list is very extensive, and it’s important that you’re fully aware of the implications of sharing so much data before deciding to sign up.

Multiple anti-virus scanners have detected possible malware

PermissionResearch is part of a group of communities managed by the Comscore subsidiary TMRG that also includes:

Signing up for a site such as PermissionResearch may offer some benefits, such as additional security features and the chance to contribute to research. However, users should be aware of the potential risks, including the bundling of PUPs and the detection of possible malware, as well as the privacy implications of sharing their online behaviour with third-party companies.

Files flagged by anti-virus scanners include:

  • rlvknlg.exe
  • rlservice.exe
  • rlvknlg64.exe
  • prservice.exe
  • prmrsr.exe
  • opnsqr.exe

How much can you make on PermissionResearch?

You will be disappointed if you expect to earn money from this site regularly. However, the special surveys they send out sometimes offer cash or gift cards as a “thank you” for participating. They don’t detail how the rewards for these special surveys work.

Summary

  • The program is often bundled with other potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) that can negatively impact the performance of the user’s device and compromise their privacy.
  • Multiple anti-virus scanners have detected possible malware in the software from TMRG/Comscore, which raises concerns about the safety and security of the program.
  • Users who install the program may be exposing their online behaviour to third-party companies, which may compromise their privacy and lead to targeted advertising.
  • The survey at the end of the setup process may contain personal questions that users may not feel comfortable answering or may not want to share with third-party companies.

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1Expert Score
PermissionResearch Review Summary
Some might label PermissionResearch as "IntrusiveResearch" based on the amount of personal data which is gathered and shared through the tracking app you need to install on your computer. Not recommended.
PROS
  • No real highlights
CONS
  • Potential malware detected
  • There is no real way to earn money
  • Sharing of a lot of personal data
  • Lack of transparency

Specification: PermissionResearch

What can I earn?
Paid Gigs

,

Incentive Level
Payout Threshold
Reward Options
Who should consider joining?
Consumers
How do I get started?
Open Registration
Web Browser
Mobile App
Format
What company is behind this?
Company

Founded

1999

Country

United States

City (HQ)

Reston, VA

PermissionResearch
PermissionResearch

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