CAVEAT – This article is a continuation of our “Digital Privacy Guide,” and we strongly encourage everyone to take the time to read it. (1)
In today’s onlife world, it’s crucial for both parents and teenagers to be aware of the risks associated with phone and PC tracking and take steps to protect their privacy. Fortunately, there are numerous measures you can take to significantly reduce the chances of your phone or PC from being tracked. Here are some essential tips to help safeguard your digital privacy:
1/ Install Phone Antivirus Software: (mostly for Android users)
One of the primary ways to prevent your phone from being tracked is by using antivirus software. These programs not only block malware that can track your activities but also prevent you from clicking on potentially harmful links. We recommend using BitDefender(2), which not only offers antivirus scanning but also features ad-blocking and a real-time tracker-blocking function.
2/ Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network):
Consider using a VPN to protect and encrypt your online activities and conceal your location. VPNs disguise your IP address, making it harder for websites and others to track your real location. Our recommendation and the one that we use is “Private Internet Access” (3)
3/ Avoid Public WiFi Networks:
When not using a VPN, it’s essential to avoid connecting to public WiFi networks. Hackers often exploit these networks to gain access to your device and track your location. Be cautious of generic hotspot names like “Free WiFi,” as cybercriminals may use similar names to trick users into connecting to their networks.
4/ Manage App Location Settings:
Some apps may still track your location even if you’ve disabled location tracking in your phone’s settings. To prevent this, ensure that location services are turned off for apps that don’t require tracking.
Here’s how to disable app tracking on both iPhone and Android devices:
iPhone:
- Open your Settings app.
- Scroll down and tap on “Privacy & Security.”
- Select “Tracking.”
You’ll see a list of apps that have been granted permission to track your activity. To stop specific apps from tracking you, simply toggle off the ones that you don’t want tracking you, such as Twitter or Instagram. However, it’s a good idea to leave on apps like Google Maps or Uber that actively use location services to ensure they can locate you when needed.
Android: Please note that settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer.
- Swipe down twice from the top of your screen to access quick settings.
- Press and hold the “Location” icon.
- Tap “App permission.”
You’ll find a list of apps that use your phone’s location services categorized as:
- “Allowed all the time”
- “Allowed only while in use”
- “Ask every time”
To change app permissions, tap the relevant app and adjust the settings as needed.
5/ Review Your Google Account Settings:
Google accounts can collect extensive data, including location history, web activity, and app usage. Review your Google account settings to ensure your location information isn’t being collected without your consent. Follow the provided steps to adjust location settings on both iPhones and Android devices.
Here’s how to modify your Google account’s location settings on both iPhone and Android:
iPhone:
- Launch the Google app.
- Tap the profile picture icon located in the top right corner.
- Select “Google Account.”
- In the top menu bar, click on “Data & Privacy.”
- Scroll down and choose “Location History.”
- You’ll see a list of devices that are tracking your location. To disable this, select “Turn off” or “Turn off and delete activity.”
Android:
- Open the Google app.
- Tap on the profile picture icon in the top corner.
- Select your email address.
- Click on “Manage Your Google Account.”
- In the top menu bar, select “Data & Privacy.”
- Scroll down and click on “Location History.”
- You’ll find a list of devices tracking your location. To stop this, select “Turn off.”
6/ Adjust Location Settings on a Mac or PC
If you’re using a computer, you should also review and adjust location settings to protect your privacy. You can also manage location data shared on Google from other sources. To disable location data stored by Google Maps and other apps and websites, follow these steps:
To Turn Off Web & App Activity:
- Log in to your Google account on your Mac or PC.
- Click on the profile picture icon in the top right-hand corner.
- Select “Manage Your Google Account.”
- In the left menu bar, click on “Data & Privacy.”
- Scroll down and choose “Web & App Activity.”
- Select the option to “Turn Off.”
To Stop Sharing Your Location with Contacts:
- Log in to your Google account on your Mac or PC.
- Click on the profile picture icon in the top right-hand corner.
- Choose “Manage Your Google Account.”
- In the left menu bar, click on “Data & Privacy.”
- Scroll down and select “Info You Can Share with Others.”
- Tap “Location Sharing” to review if you are currently sharing your location with anyone, and turn off the feature if desired.
For Additional Location Settings on Your iPhone:
- Open your Settings app.
- Scroll down and select “Privacy & Security.”
- Choose “Location Services.”
- Toggle off “Location Services.”
- Then, go back by tapping the back button in the upper left corner.
- Select “Share My Location.”
- Turn off “Share My Location” if you no longer wish to share with contacts.
- You’ll also find a list of apps under the “Share My Location” option, each with tracking frequency settings (Never, Ask Next Time, While Using the App). Set these as desired, and ensure that “Precise Location” within each app is turned off.
You can also control which apps track you by:
- Going to your Settings app.
- Scrolling down and selecting “Privacy & Security.”
- Choosing “Tracking.”
- You’ll see a list of apps you’ve permitted to track your activity. Toggle off apps that don’t need tracking, like Twitter or Instagram, but leave on apps like Google Maps that actively use location services.
IMPORTANT – Consider the Limitations of Disabling Location Services On Phone or PC
While disabling location services can enhance your privacy, be aware of potential limitations. You may lose access to navigation apps, emergency location services, and the ability to tag your location on social media. Additionally, some apps rely on your location for personalized content and recommendations.
7/ Use Strong Passwords and Enable Biometrics:
Always lock your phone when not in use, and create strong, unique passwords for your accounts and devices. Avoid using the same password across multiple accounts. Enable biometric security measures like facial recognition or fingerprint authentication and activate 2-factor authentication for added protection.
8/ Keep Your Phone and Apps Updated:
Regularly check for software updates on your phone and apps. These updates often include important security fixes that can help prevent hacking and tracking.
9/ Consider a More Private Browser:
If you’re concerned about data tracking by web browsers, explore alternative browser options to Google Chrome such as the Brave browser(4) , Firefox browser(5), or the Ghostery browser(6) that prioritize privacy and limit data collection.
In today’s onlife world, protecting our privacy online is paramount for both parents and teenagers. The risks associated with phone/PC tracking are real, but the good news is that there are numerous steps you can take to significantly reduce these risks. By following the tips in this article, you can navigate the digital world with confidence, ensuring your personal information remains more secure. However, always remember there is nothing we can do to keep ourselves secure 100% of the time.
Digital Food For Thought
The White Hatter
References:
1/ https://thewhitehatter.ca/digital-privacy-guide/
2/ https://www.bitdefender.com
3/ https://www.privateinternetaccess.com
