Privacy Basics

Separate identity from convenience

Privacy reduces how much strangers, advertisers, or attackers can learn about you. Share less by default: use unique emails or aliases for shopping when available, and avoid posting documents that contain full addresses or ID numbers.

Review app and account permissions

• Camera, microphone, location, and contacts access on phones
• Third-party apps connected to email or cloud storage
• Old devices still signed into your accounts
• Public profile fields on social and professional sites

Tighten sharing settings

Check who can see posts, photo albums, and shared folders. Prefer time-limited share links and revoke access when a project ends. On family devices, use separate user profiles when possible.

Think before you grant access

A free quiz, flashlight app, or “sign in with” button may request more data than the feature needs. Decline optional permissions and remove apps you no longer use.