Privacy on the web is a critical concern in today’s digital age. With the vast amount of personal data being shared and collected online, individuals face constant threats to their privacy. From targeted advertising to data breaches and surveillance, internet users are increasingly vulnerable to exploitation and intrusion.
Privacy is something many of us take for granted in the developed world. In the United States, for example, many citizens do not know how much data they give up freely daily. Most of this data is monetized, so there is an incentive to track everything. Connected devices have provided vast insight into our sleep patterns, entertainment, laundry, food storage, groceries, music tastes, thermostats, diet, and even, in some cases, our weight and fertility.
Your Phone tracks you
Smartphones are among the most sophisticated tracking devices ever created. Modern smartphones freely hand over data to brokers on behalf of Apple, Amazon, Google, Facebook, TikTok, etc. The amount of data these companies hold is insane. Governments no longer need to track you because the private sector has done a stellar job of making us want to be tracked. Smartphones track users through sensors, GPS, Wi-Fi, and cellular data. GPS allows precise location tracking, while Wi-Fi and cellular data provide additional location information when GPS signals are weak or unavailable. Apps also collect data such as device identifiers, browsing history, and usage patterns. This data is used for various purposes, including targeted advertising and analyzing consumer behavior.
Internet Providers track you
ISPs (Internet Service Providers) track users through DNS (Domain Name System) queries, which are requests made by devices to translate human-readable domain names (like example.com) into IP addresses (like 192.0.2.1) necessary for connecting to websites and services. By logging DNS queries, ISPs can monitor users’ browsing activities, including the websites they visit and the services they use. This information can be used for various purposes, such as targeted advertising.
The Websites you visit track you
Websites track users using various methods, primarily cookies, tracking scripts, and browser fingerprinting. Cookies are small files stored on a user’s device that contain data about their browsing habits, preferences, and login information. Tracking scripts, such as JavaScript code embedded in web pages, can monitor user interactions and transmit data to third-party servers. Browser fingerprinting involves gathering information about a user’s device, including browser type, operating system, screen resolution, and installed plugins, to create a unique identifier for tracking purposes. Additionally, pixel tags and tracking pixels invisibly monitor website user behavior. While these tracking methods serve legitimate purposes, such as personalizing content and analyzing website performance, they raise concerns about privacy and data security, prompting discussions about user consent and regulation of online tracking practices.
They read your email
There’s a saying, “If you’re not paying for a product, you are the product.” This rings true for Gmail, Office 365, Yahoo, and Hotmail. These services are free because your data is the product. Go ahead and read the terms of service that you agreed to. You know, that thing we never do. Here’s a link to the Gmail Terms, for starters.
Protect your privacy
Privacy on the web is crucial. It preserves your autonomy and gives you control over your personal information, ensuring you can manage and safeguard it as you see fit. There is no magic fix for enabling privacy on the web. However, I can provide some privacy-centric recommendations below.
Switch to Linux
Consider ditching Windows or Mac and switching to Linux. Both Windows and MacOS are telemetry-collecting juggernauts. Linux is often praised for its strong emphasis on privacy and security. As an open-source operating system, Linux offers transparency in its codebase, allowing users to inspect and audit the software for potential privacy vulnerabilities. Additionally, Linux distributions typically provide robust privacy features, such as built-in encryption options for user data and granular control over system permissions.
While no operating system is immune to privacy risks, Linux’s commitment to open-source principles and privacy-centric design makes it popular for users seeking greater control over their digital footprint.
My short list of Linux distribution recommendations
Switch to Privacy Focused Web Browsers
The industry’s most popular web browsers are Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, and Microsoft Edge. Google Chrome is the most widely used browser. While these browsers have tried to enhance user privacy in recent years, it’s not enough, leading to the development of privacy-centric browsers.
My short list of Privacy-focused web browsers:
Use A VPN (Virtual Private Network)
Using a VPN offers several benefits. VPNs can safeguard users’ privacy by masking their IP address, preventing third parties from tracking their online activities.
My short list of Privacy-focused VPNs
Stop using free email Services
Gmail, Office 365, Yahoo, and Hotmail are all privacy nightmares. Users must know the trade-off between convenience and privacy when using these services.
My short list of Privacy-focused E-mail services
You can also roll your own. Many web hosting companies offer hosted email services with a custom domain.
Privacy-focused SMARTphones
This one is a bit harder for many of us to stomach. The trade-off between convenience and privacy when using a mobile phone is pretty big. Android is open source, and several efforts have been made to de-google Android. There are also Linux phones.
My short list of Privacy-focused smartphone devices
Privacy-focused Android ROMS
Installing a custom ROM is the only definite way to achieve a privacy-first Android smartphone experience. This means replacing your phone’s stock operating system with one the community developed. Not every Android-based smartphone can support these ROMs, so be sure to check compatibility lists.
In Summary
Without privacy protections, your data could be exploited for targeted advertising, surveillance, or malicious purposes like identity theft. Privacy is essential for maintaining trust in online interactions and transactions. Caring about privacy on the web is essential for preserving your rights, security, and trust in the digital world. Stay vigilant, and stay irritated.