While there are many things in life that are not certain, one thing you can be sure of is big tech is watching you. Big companies like Google are collecting as much information about you as possible and then using that data to sell you products or services tailor-made for you. If you don’t want big corporations spying on you, there are ways to protect your privacy. Here are a few.
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1. Use a Private Email Service
If you ever doubt whether big companies like Google are reading and recording every one of your emails, use Gmail to send an email about a topic you’ve never mentioned to anyone, such as pickleball. Wait 24 hours and then see how many ads about pickleball equipment pop up on your browser. Protect your privacy by using a private email platform instead. That way, you can send messages with peace of mind.
2. Get a VPN
A VPN stands for a virtual private network. It takes whatever data you send out and encrypts it. It also hides your IP address so that tech industries are no longer able to detect where you’re from. A VPN is especially useful if you’re using a public hot spot. It will protect you from having your private data stolen by hackers.
3. Use a Private Web Browser
To keep tech companies from recording every single site you visit, use a private web browser. While browsers like DuckDuckGo or Chrome’s Incognito mode won’t be able to protect your browsing privacy completely, it does prevent sites from storing cookies onto your browser. You must need know how to clear your history especially when using an Iphone. It will also keep some ads from popping up based on your previous web searches, although websites can still learn your IP address. You may also still be vulnerable to a virus or malware, and it can’t prevent your credit card information from being stolen.
4. Stop Using Facebook for Messaging
Facebook is adept at storing your likes and dislikes as well as reading and recording your personal messages. As a result, Facebook may know more about you than you do about yourself. Advertisers can tap into that information and be able to advertise to people like you with pinpoint accuracy. If you want to protect your privacy, stop sending private messages through Facebook Messenger.
5. Stop Talking to Alexa and Siri
Anytime you talk to Amazon’s Alexa or Google’s Siri, every word you say is stored. Big tech companies record these conversations in order to learn your likes and dislikes and better market to you. If you don’t want these conversations being recorded, stop using these services.
6. Stay Away From Social Media
Facebook isn’t the only social media account recording all of your posts and using them for marketing purposes. All of the social media accounts are guilty of this. The best way to protect your privacy is to stay away from social media altogether. Also, never post where you are while you’re there.
While the internet is useful and convenient, it can also exploit your privacy for corporate gain. Fight back by following these steps to protect your privacy.
