1. An apparatus for controlled sharing of personal information, the apparatus being operable in a plurality of information sharing modes, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of applications each independently operable to share personal information with other devices according to the information sharing modes; a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory and operable to execute computer executable instructions to: detect a request on the device to alter the information sharing mode; and alter the information sharing mode in response to the detected request by notifying the plurality of applications of the detected request and controlling the ability of the plurality of applications to share personal information according to the requested information sharing mode, the altering comprising ensuring the plurality of applications share personal information according to the requested information sharing mode.