Three ways to take control of your privacy management

In the world we live in, I’ve come to accept that somewhere out in cyberspace there’s a file with my name, gender, age, profession, address, and phone number. What I still find impossible to accept is that that same file is probably much thicker than I expect; I’m sure that it details the messages I send, the photos I take, my web searches, location, political views, music tastes, and purchases. All of my data has been compiled and monetised by corporations — such as the big four (Facebook, Google, Apple, Amazon) — every time I use my laptop or mobile phone. What’s mind-boggling to me is that this happens to every single person with access to a smart device, and as of this month, 62.07% of the world’s population has a mobile phone, with the UK topping the chart by a staggering 82.9%. In other words, corporations have amassed and sold data belonging to approximately 4 billion people.

I know this isn’t news, and I know that we’ve all been aware of the issue for quite a while. I also know that I’m not alone in my concern about our digital footprints or in believing that we have a fundamental right to choose how our data is used. Thankfully we have seen huge advances in data laws such as the GDPR and EU cookie law, but if you’re like me and want to take action, what are our options?

1. Knowledge is Key — Data can only be collected for legitimate purposes, so make sure you don’t give away any unnecessary details. Check out what personal data you have online by doing a web search, data brokers often collect and sell any easily accessible information, including things like employment or property records. These can be removed if you contact the data broker.
2. Be Proactive — Read the Terms & Conditions, and look at the privacy and security settings on your online accounts. If your profiles are public, double-check that your posts don’t reveal too much personal information. Better yet: don’t accept cookies when entering a webpage, instead, go to settings and reject cookies as well as their list of vendors/partners wherever possible. PRO TIP: Put website names as your middle name or second surname when you sign up for anything online, that way if you get any random emails you’ll know who sold your details.
3. Search for Alternatives — There are loads of encrypted search engines, apps, and email providers. You could also consider identity theft monitoring or look for other options that make you feel like you’ve taken back control.

I’ve recently come across an appealing alternative to privacy management. Gener8 is a browser extension that lets the user take control by either going on ‘privacy mode’ and stopping companies from tracking them, or ‘rewards mode’ where they can share in the wealth that is created from their data. The beauty of ‘rewards mode’ is that you can earn points for sharing your data and redeem those points by donating to charity, or buying products and vouchers. By tailoring your online ads to your interests, you could redeem between £5.00 to £25.00 a month in rewards. Be sure to watch the brilliant pitch by the founder, Sam Jones, on Dragons’ Den; a BBC show where entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas to five millionaires who are willing to invest their own cash.

Our data is the most valuable commodity in the world; only escalating in the age of robots and AI. Navigating this world has and will become a reality for all of us, and our options will only improve. The good news is that by playing an active role in our privacy management, we don’t have to completely fall off the grid!

I invite you to share any tips which could help any of us with our privacy management in the comments ;)

P.S. Still need convincing that this is a far-reaching matter? Check out The Great Hack on Netflix; it’s an eye-opening documentary about the consequences of harvesting online information about us.