Apps of all kinds are tracking our moves — but these data privacy tips can protect you
Conversations around data privacy have reached fever pitch in recent months. But do you know how to protect your own data? The Sum shares what you need to know.
TO SUM IT UP
- With the Supreme Court’s recent overturning of Roe v. Wade, questions have surfaced surrounding privacy using apps such as menstrual cycle trackers.
- Apps of all kinds are tracking your data, like who you speak to most and when you finish work.
THE BACKGROUND
- When you download a new app, the Terms & Conditions are where you can learn about what data is collected.
- Those terms pages also mention if the app sells data to third parties, who can use it however they wish.
- Unfortunately, there’s always the chance of hacks as well as information ending up on the dark web.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
- Certain U.S. states have privacy laws around obtaining, selling and sharing user data, but often they’re hyper-specific.
- California, Colorado, Connecticut, Utah and Virginia are the only states with more comprehensive legislation around protecting data rights.
- There’s no federal U.S. law protecting data privacy.
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR DATA
- Use a password manager like 1Password or LastPass to protect sensitive login info.
- Use an ad blocker like uBlock Origin so platforms can’t track your web browsing.
- Download HTTPS Everywhere to make sure you always use secure URLs.
- Look to see where your accounts are logged in. Any red flags?
WHY IT MATTERS
- Data is being collected at an exponential rate, and massive public and private sector decisions are being made based on it.
- For example, collected data could influence everything from the ads you see to your next interest rate.
- That data you may not know is being collected will only continue to impact you on a micro and macro level.
SOURCES
- National Conference of State Legislatures: State Laws Related to Digital Privacy
- The New York Times: The State of Consumer Data Privacy Laws in the US (And Why It Matters)
- CBS: Disparity in home lending costs minorities millions, researchers find
- ProPublica: Facebook (Still) Letting Housing Advertisers Exclude Users by Race
READ MORE ABOUT THIS IN THE SUM
The Sum breaks down complex economic issues and how they impact your life in just a few minutes a day. Follow thesum.news on Instagram for the full story.
This story was originally published August 16, 2022 at 12:50 PM with the headline "Apps of all kinds are tracking our moves — but these data privacy tips can protect you."
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