How To Prevent Online Companies From Collecting Your Data

When you spend time online, whether you are working, shopping, or using social media, companies that you interact with are collecting data on you. And that data can be used to track what you do online, to figure out what you’re all about, and to provide you with targeted advertising for various products and services.

If you don’t like the idea of companies being able to collect and share data about you, continue reading. The tips below can help you regain some control so you won’t feel so helpless.

Fix the Privacy Settings on Your Browser and Devices

One of the first things you can do to stop online tracking is to simply go into the privacy settings of any browser you use, whether you are on a Mac or PC. Options might include using a private browsing mode, clearing or blocking cookies, and setting restrictions on the cookies that are allowed. And, when it comes to devices like smartphones, you might also be able to control if apps are allowed to track your activity and location, and you might even be able to turn off certain types of ads, such as personalized ads. Taking these steps can be a great way to start limiting how much information various websites, browsers, and apps will be able to gather about you while you use them.

Remove Your Info from People Search Websites

Have you heard of people search websites? If you have ever used a website like White Pages, you are already familiar with these sites, which make it easy to look up information on just about anyone. But this means that you can also be found by people you know, as well as complete strangers, as long as they know your name, address, or phone number.

With a quick search, these platforms can reveal quite a bit of information about you, such as where you’re located and how you can be contacted, as well as your background. If you don’t like the idea of being on these platforms that share your data, go to each one and opt out. As you will see when opting out of Nuwber, it is surprisingly easy to do, so it’s worth pursuing this step when you want to make it harder for others to find info about you online.

Switch to a Virtual Private Network

Yet another way to prevent companies from easily tracking you is by switching to a virtual private network, which is also known as a VPN. This will let you browse the internet more anonymously, and it can be really helpful when you are using a Wi-Fi connection in public because those types of connections may not be secure. Basically, with this type of network, you can encrypt data and hide your IP address and location. This means you’re sharing less data about yourself to companies that would try to collect that information and use it.

As you can see, there are several ways that you can protect yourself and your data from companies that would try to track what you do on the internet. By using the right tools, such as a VPN, and by carefully checking your privacy settings to boost your security and adjust what you permit, you can begin to feel a lot more confident in your ability to be online without being tracked.