Every click, search, and scroll is being tracked. Companies build detailed profiles of your behavior, interests, and habits—then sell that data to advertisers. While you can't achieve perfect privacy, you can significantly reduce tracking with these practical steps.
Browser Privacy Settings
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Choose a Privacy-Focused Browser
Not all browsers are equal when it comes to privacy:
- Firefox: Best balance of privacy and compatibility. Enable Enhanced Tracking Protection (Strict mode)
- Brave: Blocks ads and trackers by default, Chromium-based
- Safari: Good privacy features, Intelligent Tracking Prevention built-in
- Chrome: Most tracked browser. If you must use it, install extensions below
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Install Essential Privacy Extensions
- uBlock Origin: Best ad and tracker blocker (free)
- Privacy Badger: Learns and blocks invisible trackers (EFF)
- HTTPS Everywhere: Forces encrypted connections
- Cookie AutoDelete: Removes cookies when you close tabs
Note: Using too many extensions can slow browsing. uBlock Origin alone handles most needs.
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Configure Browser Settings
Firefox:
- Settings → Privacy & Security → Enhanced Tracking Protection → Strict
- Enable "Delete cookies and site data when Firefox is closed"
- Disable "Allow Firefox to send technical data"
Chrome:
- Settings → Privacy → Send a "Do Not Track" request
- Block third-party cookies
- Turn off "Make searches and browsing better"
Search Privately
Google tracks every search you make. Switch to a private search engine:
- DuckDuckGo: No tracking, good results, easy switch from Google
- Startpage: Google results without Google tracking
- Brave Search: Independent index, no tracking
Set your chosen search engine as default in browser settings.
Limit Social Media Tracking
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Review Privacy Settings on Each Platform
Facebook:
- Settings → Privacy → Limit past posts
- Settings → Off-Facebook Activity → Clear history and disable future tracking
- Disable face recognition
Google:
- myaccount.google.com → Data & Privacy
- Pause Web & App Activity, Location History, YouTube History
- Use auto-delete for remaining data (3 or 18 months)
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Limit Ad Tracking on Devices
iPhone: Settings → Privacy → Tracking → Disable "Allow Apps to Request to Track"
Android: Settings → Privacy → Ads → Delete advertising ID
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Use Container Tabs (Firefox)
Facebook Container extension isolates Facebook from the rest of your browsing, preventing cross-site tracking.
Secure Your Communications
- Messaging: Use Signal or WhatsApp (end-to-end encrypted)
- Email: Consider ProtonMail or Tutanota for sensitive communications
- Video calls: Signal, FaceTime (Apple), or Jitsi for privacy
When to Use a VPN
VPNs encrypt your internet traffic and hide your IP address. Use one when:
- On public Wi-Fi (coffee shops, airports, hotels)
- Accessing sensitive information on untrusted networks
- Preventing your ISP from tracking your browsing
Recommended VPNs:
- Mullvad: Best privacy, anonymous signup, €5/month
- ProtonVPN: Free tier available, trustworthy company
- IVPN: Privacy-focused, transparent
⚠️ Avoid Free VPNs
If the product is free, you're the product. Most free VPNs sell your data or inject ads. Stick to reputable paid services or ProtonVPN's free tier.
Reduce Your Data Footprint
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Audit App Permissions
Review which apps have access to location, microphone, camera, contacts:
iPhone: Settings → Privacy & Security → Review each category
Android: Settings → Apps → App Permissions
Revoke access from apps that don't need it.
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Use Disposable Email Addresses
For signups and newsletters, use services like:
- Apple Hide My Email: Built into iCloud+
- Firefox Relay: Free email masking
- SimpleLogin: Create unlimited aliases
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Opt Out of Data Brokers
Sites like Spokeo, WhitePages, and BeenVerified sell your personal information. Visit each site to opt out, or use a service like DeleteMe to automate the process.
💡 Privacy is a Spectrum
You don't need to do everything at once. Start with a privacy-focused browser and search engine—that alone eliminates most tracking. Add more protections over time as needed.
Conclusion
Perfect privacy online is impossible, but you can significantly reduce tracking. Switch browsers, install uBlock Origin, use DuckDuckGo, and review app permissions. These four changes alone will dramatically reduce how much companies know about you.