PRIVACY Matters
Your Privacy Matters—Here's How to Protect It
Did you know that countless websites collect, store, and even share your personal information? From newsletters to online shopping platforms, your data is often used in ways you may not realize. In fact, the average person has their data shared with over 350 companies without even knowing it. Furthermore, a 2024 study by The Markup found that, on average, each Facebook user had their data shared with approximately 2,230 companies, highlighting the extensive reach of data sharing practices. Spooky, right?
In a chilling tale that feels ripped from the pages of a crime novel, Lamor Whitehead, a master of deception, orchestrated a web of identity theft that left over 50 victims reeling. With a cunning ability to assume stolen identities, he defrauded banks and financial institutions of more than $2 million, all while living a life of luxury. Picture the scene: unsuspecting victims waking up to find their names tied to extravagant purchases and loans they never authorized, their lives upended by Whitehead's sinister scheme. Captured in 2008, he faced justice after five years in Sing Sing Correctional Facility, but the scars of his crimes remain etched in the lives of those he targeted. Whitehead’s story serves as a haunting reminder of the darkness lurking in the shadows of identity theft—where trust is shattered and lives are irrevocably changed.
But the good news is, you can take control and opt out of many of these practices. Here’s how:
1. Unsubscribe from Unwanted Emails:
Most email newsletters include an "Unsubscribe" link at the bottom. Clicking it allows you to stop receiving further emails. For bulk management, consider tools like Clean Email or Unroll.me to organize and opt out of multiple subscriptions at once. Consider deleting your photos from FaceCheck Search Engine.
2. Manage Data on Websites:
Websites often provide privacy settings to limit data collection. Check their "Privacy Policy" or "Account Settings" to opt out of data sharing or tracking cookies.
3. Use "Do Not Sell My Info" Options:
In regions like California, businesses must provide a "Do Not Sell My Personal Information" link. Look for it on websites and submit your request to protect your data.
4. Remove Your Information from People Search Sites:
Sites like Spokeo, Whitepages, and MyLife aggregate your data. Visit their opt-out pages to request the removal of your information. SubProject9 is a great source on how to opt out of all main websites that collect your personal information.
5. Leverage Browser Settings:
Most modern browsers have settings to block third-party cookies and limit tracking. Enable these features to reduce unnecessary data collection. Most browsers have this option in Settings under Privacy & Security.
6. Stay Vigilant with AI Tools:
Your data could be used to train AI models. Check websites’ terms of use for details, and exercise opt-out options when available. OpenAI: Offers an opt-out request form for data used in AI models. OpenAI's Data Use Policy. Google: Provides options to manage or delete data that might be used for AI training through your account settings. Google Privacy Controls. Meta (Facebook/Instagram): Offers settings to manage how your data is used in training. Meta Privacy Center.
Protecting your privacy doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start small, take consistent steps, and you’ll reclaim control over your digital footprint in no time.
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