We generate a lot of data when going online, often without thinking about it. This can range from browsing data to where you shop and what you post about on social media. There are concerns that it can become intrusive, and some people are keen to take back control of their data privacy.
Why is data collected?
There can be many different reasons for data collection; for example, a data collection company may collect it so that its clients can use it to understand their clientele, creating a better customer experience and resulting in higher profits.
The bottom line is that once data has been created, we often have no control over who uses it. This can mean people look for ways to better control their privacy. While there are ways you can protect yourself as an individual, the long-term solution is likely to lie in better legislation on data use.
Five ways to protect data
-
VPNs use an encrypted tunnel to hide your IP address and browsing activity to hide your data from third parties that may be collecting it. It is important to understand the limitations of VPNs, as links can still be made; for example, if you click on a social media ad, this will be linked with your profile even with a VPN.
-
All websites give you the option of rejecting cookies. You should take this, even if it means a few extra steps.
-
Always read the privacy policies on the sites you visit to make sure you fully understand what data collection you are agreeing to, including the data a VPN cannot protect you from.
-
Use a good cybersecurity package. This can help protect you against phishing scams, provide a good password protector, protect against identity theft, and block ads.
-
If you are concerned about how much information a data collection company already holds about you, you can use a data removal service to send deletion and removal requests on your behalf to reduce the amount of information available.