Online privacy is invaluable. As we share more information and activities through the internet, it can be worrying to know that others could access that data, use it without your consent, or otherwise cause you harm.
Fortunately, there are a number of constructive, ethical and fully legal ways to take control of your privacy.
How to Keep Your Online Activity Private
Here are some tips on maintaining privacy and control over your online presence:
Use a Privacy-Focused Browser
Modern web browsers like Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are convenient – but convenience often comes at the cost of privacy. Many of these browsers track your activity across different sites to build advertising profiles and personalize content.
Privacy-focused browsers like Firefox and DuckDuckGo offer enhanced tracking protection. Many also come with built-in ad-blockers to reduce the number of parties monitoring your browsing sessions.
Encrypt Your Communications
Leaving sensitive data and communications exposed creates opportunities for hacking, theft and abuse. While many sites offer https encryption, you can take additional steps like using a VPN or encrypted messaging service to add reliable privacy layers.
Adjust Online Account Privacy Settings
It‘s easy to overlook all the data stored in your online accounts. Profile details, posts, locations and search histories on sites like social media can build a vivid picture for advertisers or potential bad actors.
Check your privacy settings and prune unnecessary personal details. Freeze accounts that you rarely use to limit opportunities for data abuse.
Be Mindful of What You Share Online
The cumulative effect of many small, seemingly innocuous posts and comments can add up. Even if a single data point seems harmless, you don‘t always know how that information could be aggregated by third parties down the road. Practice discretion when sharing personal information online – even in private groups or encrypted spaces.
Maintaining privacy isn‘t always easy or convenient in our modern data-driven world. However, a few changes to your online habits can help protect your interests and prevent costly mistakes in the long run without compromising ethics or laws.
If you have any other constructive tips for maintaining online privacy, I would love to hear them!
