Welcome to Saturday Hashtag, a weekly place for broader context.
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Most people accept that the collection of private user data is just the price of digital convenience, so long as it is not done covertly and/or to the extreme.
But each day it is getting harder to determine when and if that line is being crossed. Whether in the form of simple internet cookies or the unreadable user agreement tomes which give Microsoft and Apple permission for the mass collection of user data.
Once your data is captured it is never returned and you can’t control how it is used.
Every aspect of your private data — including behavioral and physical traits — is under perpetual assault from a multitude of culprits; from the government to the surveillance economy, from social media to hackers.
Now add to this the questionable endeavor to train and expand AI (even through your social network posts).
Two of the more troubling aspects of the “inconspicuous” side of data collection are the cryptic, hidden functions in software and/or operating systems and the updates that can wreak havoc — and even change personal settings.
The new AI powered Windows Copilot suite is using Recall to take screen captures of your desktop every 5 seconds and Apple’s TrueDepth is doing the same with your face, using an infrared camera to create a facial map of the user. This is part of the phone’s attention awareness feature, which allows the device to perform actions based on user eye movements. Let’s just skip the Apple next-gen AirPods that can monitor your brain activity.
Apple OS updates have changed security settings and restored long deleted pictures.
Android updates can be disruptive if not actually invasive.
DO THIS NOW: Stop auto updates and check your device settings after any updates to the operating system or apps. You should also regularly review your social media settings because they can change just like the small print in the credit card agreement, that you don’t read.
7 Essential Tips To Protect Your Privacy In 2024
From the Future of Privacy Forum: “Today, almost everything we do online involves companies collecting personal information about us. Personal data is collected and used for various reasons — like when you use social media, shop online, redeem digital coupons at the store, or browse the internet. Sometimes, information is collected about you by one company and then shared or sold to another. While data collection can benefit both you and businesses — like connecting with friends, getting directions, or sales promotions — it can also be used in invasive ways unless you take control.”
Protecting Your Identity and Privacy on Social Media in 2024
From Directive: “Social media is constantly evolving, and if the big social networks had it their way, it would be the only place people go when they log onto the Internet. Whether you have strong feelings for or against social media, or perhaps you are indifferent, it’s important to understand how to protect yourself when using social media.”
Stop Hackers Cold: Tech Tips To Secure Your Phone’s Data and Location
The author writes, “You’re shopping for a gift, or doing something personal, and oops! Someone waltzes into the room. No problem — just hit Command + M on a Mac or Windows + M on a Windows PC to instantly minimize the program you have open. There are so many little tips and tricks that make using your tech better. I’ve got a ton up my sleeve that are privacy-focused.”
How To Change Your Privacy Settings for a Safer Online Experience
From All About Cookies: “Have you checked your online privacy settings lately? Do you know what data your operating system or mobile apps collect? You may not know what information gets saved regarding your internet searches. You may not realize that your data can get stored indefinitely and used by different companies. Some companies sell the data they track to other businesses that want to know about your internet searches. Your personal information is like financial currency. It has enormous value for those who need it.”
Privacy Tools That Put You in Control.
The author writes, “When it comes to privacy, we know one size does not fit all. That’s why we build controls that are easy to use so you can choose the privacy settings that are right for you.”
Facebook Privacy Settings To Change Now
The author writes, “Let’s face it. Facebook is hard to quit. Many of us stay on it even when we know that the company, which also owns Instagram and WhatsApp, tracks much of what we do online. It has so much information about us that it can show ads with such eerie accuracy that many people believe it’s using smartphone microphones to eavesdrop. But Facebook is also the connective tissue between more than 3 billion people around the world. If you can’t leave, at least you can make your data as private as possible.”
How To Properly Set Up Your Social Media Privacy Settings
The author writes, “Scammers, stalkers, and hackers can use public information on your social media profiles to target you — unless you change your privacy settings.”
