How to better protect your privacy online

Your digital life helps make your online experiences smoother and more relevant. The things you click, buy, or save help companies personalize services and content to better fit your needs.

Because this information is valuable, it’s worth knowing where it lives and how it’s used. Many companies work hard to protect customer data, and you also have simple ways to guide how your information is shared.

The good news is that you don’t need to be a tech expert to take charge of your privacy. Devices, browsers, and online services all offer settings that let you decide what feels right for you. With a quick privacy checkup, you can make thoughtful choices that support your comfort, confidence, and peace of mind online.

Privacy on social platforms

What’s collected

Social platforms gather what you share, who you connect with, what you click, and where you browse after you leave the site. Many platforms combine this data with information purchased from other companies to create detailed profiles.

Pay attention to:

• Who can see your posts. Privacy settings usually range from everyone to friends-of-friends or just your direct connections. A smaller circle may help you share more comfortably.
• How the platform shares data. Many platforms include an Apps or Permissions section that lets you choose how your contacts or posts move across companies.
• What you post. Personal details like a pet’s name or alma mater could help someone guess passwords or answer verification questions. Public updates about travel may signal when your home is empty.

Your privacy in web browsers

What’s collected

Browsers track where you go and what you do online. Sites use IP addresses and cookies to understand browsing habits, and many pages use trackers that send data to other companies.

Pay attention to:

• Cookies: You can modify your browser settings to erase older cookies every few months so unused data is removed from your device.
• Location data: Browsers often detect your location. If you’d rather keep that private, open the settings and require permission before the browser shares your location with a site you’ve visited.
• Browsing activity and search history: Automatic history deletion every few months can reduce what is stored about your online activity, and for how long.
• Other trackers: Plug ins can block ads and limit tracking technologies. These tools may protect privacy and speed up sites, although some site features may work differently based on the plug ins you choose. Only add plug-ins from reputable sources.

Device and app privacy on your phone

What’s collected

Your phone’s operating system accesses information like location, app usage, stored tickets, and health or fitness data. Apps may request access to that information and to anything collected inside the app, such as workouts, rideshare routes, or camera footage.

Pay attention to:

• Phone level settings: The Privacy area in your phone settings lists what the system can collect and share.
• Location tracking: Permissions usually allow you to limit location access to essential apps and only during use.
• Permission levels: Apps ask to access items like contacts, camera, microphone, or health data. Limiting access to essential apps could help reduce unwanted data collection.

Shopping and e-commerce privacy

What’s collected

Online shopping creates data about searches, purchases, and wish lists. Regular use of one retailer may help the company infer upcoming life events and tailor ads. Rewards cards in physical stores track purchase patterns and typical shopping times or locations.

Pay attention to:

• Payment info: Storing your credit card in fewer places may lower exposure in a breach and curb impulse purchases.
• Personal information: Saving your address and phone number only on sites you use often can reduce how many places hold your information.
• Loyalty programs: Joining programs you use regularly (and avoiding the ones you visit rarely) ensure your data supports rewards that matter to you.

A quick look at the fine print

Privacy policies are long, but if you know what to look for, you can gain clarity about how your data is used and where you can adjust settings.

• Information collected: Name, email, phone number, IP address, or location.
• How it is used: Order processing, marketing, or profiling.
• How it is shared: Advertisers, marketing services, or other third parties.

A short review can increase awareness and support choices that fit your comfort level with how your personal information moves online.