There are alarming concerns about two of the major tech companies enabling government and foreign agencies to spy on individuals via their smartphones. Kurt Knutsson, the 'Cyberguy,' raises new privacy issues about this action, especially with the Chinese Communist Party owning your data.

The disclosure came about when Oregon Senator, Ron Wyden, wrote a letter to the Justice Department exposing the unnamed foreign governments' demands for push notification data from Apple and Google. This data can potentially have your personal information.

According to Reuters, the US government likely conducts similar surveillance. They allegedly obtain similar push notification metadata from both the tech companies. Push notifications, an integral part of smartphone usage, can provide companies with information like the recipient's details, the app sending it, and the device being used. It's problematic because this metadata may even contain the text message's contents.

Upon questioning, both Apple and Google confirmed they are under a gag order and are not at liberty to discuss the details linked with push notification data. However, in response to the security and privacy issues highlighted in the Senator's letter, both companies have initiated several measures.

Apple has updated its law enforcement guidelines and intends to clarify how push notification data can violate your security. Google, although hasn't taken any specific steps in response to Wyden's letter, does have tools available to monitor your data.

Despite these corporations having measures in place, it is essential to ensure your data's safety. Do so by turning off push notifications and becoming more aware of sharing your data. You should regularly review app permissions and privacy settings and limit the number of push notifications.

As smartphone users, it is critical to adopt proactive accounts and websites' safety measures such as using end-to-end encrypted messaging apps, regularly updating software, and having good antivirus software. Regarding data compromises on the dark web, there are technical tools available, such as haveibeenpwned.com, to check if your data has been compromised.