What is privacy?#
Online privacy means you decide what about you is seen, by whom, and to what extent. This is different from security: security means protecting information from unauthorized access, while privacy means even authorized access should be limited and happen with your awareness.
What information is collected about you?#
Websites and apps record information such as location, search history, contacts, interests, device identifiers, and your behavior. Part of it is needed to provide the service, and part is for advertising or selling data.
A few common risks#
- Excessive app permissions, such as access to contacts and the microphone.
- Advertising trackers and cookies.
- Sharing personal information on social networks that may be used for phishing.
- Unprotected public Wi-Fi.
- A digital footprint from photos that carry location data.
Practical steps#
- Review app permissions and close unnecessary access.
- Limit your social network privacy settings.
- Decline non-essential cookies.
- Delete unused accounts.
- Use a secure connection for sensitive tasks, and don't enter personal information into AI tools and unknown services.
- Use encryption and two-factor authentication.
A reminder#
Perfect privacy is neither possible nor necessary. The goal is to decide consciously what information you give in exchange for what value.