Data Privacy

Understanding and managing your digital footprint and personal information.

Understanding Data Privacy

Data privacy concerns the proper handling, processing, storage, and usage of personal information (also known as Personally Identifiable Information - PII). In today's digital world, countless entities (websites, apps, companies, governments) collect vast amounts of data about individuals. Understanding your rights and how your data is used is crucial for maintaining control.

Key Privacy Principles

These principles form the basis of many data protection regulations (like GDPR):

Data Minimization

Collect only the data strictly necessary for a specific purpose. As an individual, share only the minimum information required for a service.

Purpose Limitation

Data collected for one purpose should not be used for another unrelated purpose without consent. Be aware of how services state they will use your data.

Storage Limitation

Data should not be kept longer than necessary for the purpose it was collected. Regularly delete old accounts and data you no longer need.

Accuracy

Personal data should be accurate and kept up-to-date. Verify your information in important accounts.

Integrity and Confidentiality

Data must be protected against unauthorized access, processing, loss, or damage. This involves technical measures like encryption and strong authentication.

Transparency

Individuals should be informed about how their data is collected, used, and shared, typically through clear privacy policies.

Individual Control

Individuals often have rights regarding their data, such as the right to access, correct, delete, or restrict the processing of their personal information.

Privacy Protection Tools

VPNs (Virtual Private Networks)

Encrypt your internet traffic and hide your IP address.

  • Mullvad VPN: Highly private, no-logs VPN service that accepts anonymous payments.
  • ProtonVPN: Created by the team behind ProtonMail, offers strong privacy features.
  • IVPN: Privacy-focused VPN with transparent practices and regular security audits.

Private Search Engines

Alternatives to search engines that track your searches and build profiles.

  • DuckDuckGo: Popular privacy-focused search engine that doesn't track users.
  • Startpage: Provides Google search results but anonymizes your query.
  • Brave Search: Privacy-focused search engine from the makers of Brave browser.
  • Searx/SearxNG: Open-source, self-hostable metasearch engine.

Privacy-Respecting Email Services

Secure your email communications.

  • ProtonMail: Popular end-to-end encrypted email service based in Switzerland.
  • Tutanota: Another end-to-end encrypted email service based in Germany.
  • Email Aliases: Services like SimpleLogin or AnonAddy for unique email aliases.

Best Practices for Data Privacy

Audit Your Digital Footprint

  • Google your name, usernames, email addresses, phone numbers (use quotes for exact matches).
  • Check data broker sites and use opt-out procedures where available.
  • Review your social media profiles and adjust privacy settings.

Manage App Permissions

  • Regularly review app permissions (Location, Camera, Microphone, etc.).
  • Revoke unnecessary permissions and question app requests.
  • Uninstall unused apps to prevent background data collection.

Choose Privacy-Focused Services

  • Consider privacy-respecting alternatives for email, search, cloud storage, and maps.
  • Look for services with end-to-end encryption and minimal data collection.
  • Read privacy policies before signing up for critical services.

Manage Cookies and Tracking

  • Use browser settings to block third-party cookies.
  • Regularly clear cookies and browsing history.
  • Consider using privacy-focused browser extensions.

Privacy Checklist

Track your progress in implementing privacy measures: