Why Online Privacy Matters
Every time you browse the web, use an app, or make an online purchase, you leave behind digital traces. Companies collect, analyze, and sell this information. Data brokers compile detailed profiles about you, including your name, address, phone number, income, health conditions, and browsing habits.
How You Are Being Tracked Online
- Cookies and trackers: Websites place tracking files on your device to follow your activity across the internet
- App permissions: Many apps request access to your contacts, location, camera, and microphone
- Social media: Everything you post, like, share, and even view is recorded and used for advertising
- Data brokers: Over 500 companies buy and sell your personal information without your knowledge
- Public records: Property records, court records, and voter registration data are often scraped and published online
Essential Privacy Protection Steps
- Audit Your Digital Footprint
Search for yourself online. See what information is publicly available. Use our Data Broker Removal tool to scan for your exposed data across 500+ broker sites.
- Lock Down Your Social Media
Review privacy settings on every platform. Limit who can see your posts and personal information. Remove any details that could be used for identity theft.
- Use Privacy-Focused Tools
Use a privacy-focused browser or extensions that block trackers. Consider a VPN for public WiFi. Use encrypted messaging apps for sensitive conversations.
- Manage App Permissions
Review what permissions each app has on your phone. Remove access to camera, microphone, and location for apps that do not need them.
- Opt Out of Data Brokers
Submit removal requests to data broker sites. This can be time-consuming manually, which is why we built our automated Data Broker Removal tool.