Ever wonder if your phone is your new BFF—or just a spy? Thanks to data tracking, your phone knows when you wake up, what you binge-watch, and even what snacks you crave at 2 a.m. Apps track everything from your location to your shopping habits, often sharing this data with advertisers. While convenient for tailored suggestions, it’s a privacy trade-off you may not have consciously agreed to.
Here’s how to outsmart your smartphone:
- Adjust Permissions – Review app permissions and limit access to only what’s necessary. No, that flashlight app doesn’t need to track your location.
- Opt for Privacy-First Tools – Use search engines like DuckDuckGo and encrypted messaging apps like Signal.
- Regular Clean-Up – Delete unused apps and update privacy settings frequently—policies change more often than you’d think!
Take charge of your digital footprint and ensure your phone doesn’t overshare. For more privacy tips, check out resources from Consumer Reports and the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics
