Before you begin the journey of safeguarding your online data, there are a few crucial 'deal-breaker' aspects to consider. If you're not ready to make these sacrifices, it might be best to abandon any efforts towards data privacy:
You need to avoid using a standard mobile device (such as a stock iPhone or Android phone).
This means using a secure device. On Android, this can be accomplished on different devices, but it's most effective on Pixel Phones with GrapheneOS. iOS (iPhones) does not provide security or privacy-focused solutions, which means using an iPhone significantly compromises your data privacy by default.
Recognize that out-of-the-box devices are fundamentally designed to collect your data.
Steer clear of any 'smart' devices in your home, as they essentially function as surveillance tools.
You can not use any Social Media and/or 'free tools' (such as Google apps, Apple apps, Samsung apps, etc.).
Social Media, particularly social media apps, not only gather the data you provide by using their services but also extract data from other apps and services on your device.
Many of these excellent free services remain free because they collect your data. For instance, Google examines all your emails/texts and photos, tracks your locations on maps, and analyzes every word you type into a Google document.
Click on 'de-googling' for more information regarding how and why to 'de-google'
Give up using mobile apps whenever you can.
Mobile apps typically can be replaced by using your mobile (secured) web browser. The reason companies provide apps is not for your convenience as apps primarily serve as data collection tools.
Protecting your data and minimizing your digital footprint demands a dedicated effort. This may also eliminate some conveniences that mobile devices seem to offer.
However, "perceived conveniences" implies that many of these conveniences can be achieved just as effectively, if not more so, by using safer tools or simply going offline.
The simplest method to minimize your online data is by limiting what you do online.
In summary, if you are not open to changing your online behaviors, your attempts to safeguard your online privacy will be ineffective.
If you're still keen on moving forward, here are some basic steps you can take to greatly minimize the amount of your online data being stolen* from you.
*Note - 'stolen' is used intentionally here because, even if you give implicit consent to share your data, you're not giving unlimited permission for them to take whatever they want and use it however they like.
Why is this so hard?
The answer to all your questions is 'money'!
The companies that collect our data are earning billions of dollars by doing so. These are the same companies that provide us with online services, devices, and tools. Their strategy from the beginning was always to offer content, tools, and services to gather our personal data. They have spent decades developing technology specifically to capture our data and to turn us into the Pavlovian users of technology we have all become.
Embracing digital minimalism is the most effective way to manage your digital footprint.
Relying solely on tools and processes to safeguard your digital privacy without adopting digital minimalism has several drawbacks:
It's a zero-sum game. Companies (and governments) have vast resources dedicated to collecting our information, keeping us perpetually one step behind.
The technical effort involves a high 'hassle factor.' Eventually, it becomes unsustainable due to the ongoing effort required. Even for someone highly technical like myself, it becomes too cumbersome for minimal gain.
Steps to take for managing your privacy
Your relationship with your smart device is unhealthy. Similar to personal relationships, you often don't realize how detrimental it is until you break it off.
Sever ties digitally (as much as you can) and free yourself from a harmful connection
Make a phone call instead of texting, read a newspaper instead of doom-scrolling etc...
Minimize your smart device usage as much as possible, and then reduce it even further
A very specific step is to install the security and privacy based operating system on a Google Pixel Phone. This is called GrapheneOS and is basically a 'hardened' current Android OS
Simplify your smartphone
Shut off all but the most necessary notifications, alerts
Remove all but the most important apps (where you can't use a web browser)
note: your mobile browser works just like a PC browser. You can even add a 'bookmark' to your mobile device home page so it looks and feels just like an app, but are running in your mobile browser.
... and by using secure/privacy based browser you can control how much data you are giving away unlike an which doesn't allow for any data capture controls!
Consider a 'dumb phone' (only for calls and texting), though the compromises required are quite challenging.
I used a basic phone (Light Phone) for 2 years. Although the phone was functional, its limitations were too substantial to overlook. Additionally, my wife disliked it because most of the 'digital labor' ended up being her responsibility.
Cease using social media.
If you are on social media, don't attempt to go private - it's not feasible.
Opt for a computer whenever possible instead of your smart device.
Browsers on your PC can be made much more private. You'll also find that the larger screen and keyboard allow you to accomplish more in less time, thereby reducing your online presence.
Engage in ‘Digital Abstinence’
Restrict the quantity and nature of your online searches.
You don’t really need to acquire knowledge instantly. You'll appreciate life more without it... taking a break from the urge to be the first to look something up can be fulfilling. It genuinely feels refreshing to acknowledge when you don't know something!
And no, obtaining immediate answers from Google, Siri, or Alexa doesn’t make you appear more intelligent...
Switch your music streaming service for a device that plays uploaded music.
There truly isn't any app worse for data mining than Spotify!
It's perfectly fine to buy a CD or a digital MP3, and you'll support your favorite artists much more than by streaming their music!
Disable location services and stop using maps like Google or Apple.
Every step you take is being recorded and tracked.
Providers know where you work, where you live, how you commute, the duration of your commute, when you're home, when you're not, where you've been, where you're going…
Did you know that Google provides directions that ensure you pass by their sponsors, and only companies that pay Google appear on their maps?
Note: I get it, this may be the 'tool' you can't live without. I use open-source apps such as Magic Earth... its about 85% as functional as google maps.
Get news the traditional way – buy a newspaper. What you choose to read is completely private. You'll also encounter a variety of news, not just content tailored to your profile.
Enjoy reading your newspaper with a freshly brewed cup of coffee/tea.
Brew your own coffee/tea, so you won't have to leave your house, deal with crowds, and you'll save money (enough to pay for your newspaper!)
Even better, reduce your news consumption...
Cutting down on news consumption might be the most effective way to reduce anxiety and stress while limiting how much 'they' know about you. Even better, you'll expand your perspective!
Technical steps you can and should take
Note: use this guide to help determine the effort for any particular step: (I've put the biggest bang for the buck steps at the top of the list)
MUST DO: Switch your DNS (Domain Name Service) to NextDNS (highly recommended) or a similar provider. It is affordable and fairly simple to set up (there is plenty of excellent documentation to help you use it)
Here is an excellent article on DNS for managing your privacy Control Security with DNS
All internet activities require the use of DNS (the internet's phone book) to locate sites. Without DNS, you can't access the internet
Your ISP/Carrier uses their own DNS resolver, which allows them to monitor everything you do online and sell it.
RECOMMENDED: To achieve complete anonymity, use the TOR browser and network (free and easy)
TOR is the simplest and sole method to stay anonymous (a VPN by itself does not ensure anonymity)
TOR may be slow and produce unusual results because it lacks information about you and your location (often assumes you are in country - XX)
MUST DO: Utilize a privacy-focused browser. This is free and simple to set up.
I use LibreWolf on my Linux PC and IceRaven on my mobile devices. However, there are many good privacy-focused browsers available.
Avoid using browsers from Microsoft, Apple, Google, or any Chrome-based browser, as Chrome uses Google's 'engine' and shouldn't be trusted.
You can 'harden' your browser to protect you without causing too much inconvenience. (HERE is an excellent guide on browser security, or watch this video: Techlore-Hardening Firefox
note: Balancing the level of 'hardening' with maintaining basic functions requires some 'balance'.
MUST DO: Utilize a private search engine: (free, simple)
Avoid using default search engines like Google, Bing, Yahoo, etc...
DuckDuckGo or BraveSearch are acceptable alternatives
Search engines such as SEARX (and its variants), MetaGer, and Mojeek offer more security, but you may need to put in extra effort to achieve similar results as the more common search engines
MUST DO: Don't Use Artificial Intelligence Tools (only takes self-discipline!)
It's hard to think of a tool more capable of compromising your private information than artificial intelligence.
If you must use AI - tryout this open-source, privacy-focused AI Tool: VENICE.ai (free* and simple (*additional features available for purchase)
MUST DO: Refrain from sharing your name and contact details (simple and free)
Unless you are engaging in a transaction with a company, you do not need to (and should not) disclose your personal contact details
Employ fake names and account information whenever possible
I have multiple 'aliases' , fake addresses and anonymous emails that I consistently use.
MUST DO: Use a private email service along with utilizing anonymous emails
Utilize a private email service. (purchase a paid version, straightforward but requires a detailed 'migration'
I use and highly recommend ProtonMail
Establish your own domain for email – this makes it simple to change your email service without altering your email address!
Utilize anonymous emails (free* and simple) (*additional features are worth buying)
MUST DO: Avoid using your browser's built-in password/payment/address features (free and easy)
I use BitWarden, which is very secure and convenient. (there are other options as well)
It's best to have a password manager generate random passwords and store them for you
If you choose to use your own password, it's advisable to combine meaningless words rather than mixing numbers and characters (though many sites require numbers and case)
MUST DO: Substitute standard sites like YouTube, Instagram, Reddit, etc., with privacy-focused alternatives such as FreeTube. (free and easy)
There's an excellent browser extension called privacy-redirect that reroutes links to private sites. It will redirect other social media sites to anonymous versions for: Reddit | Instagram | Maps | Twitter, etc...
MUST DO: Opt for a private messenger service (free and simple) instead of SMS texting
Signal is currently the preferred choice. It functions like texting, but all communications between Signal users are encrypted. Additionally, you can video chat and make calls within the same app.
For convenience and privacy, I use BEEPER for all my messaging needs. Beeper allows you to access multiple messaging platforms in one app (such as Signal, WhatsApp, Twitter, texting, etc.) (excluding Apple text)
RECOMMENDED: If you don't own a Google Pixel phone, consider purchasing one and installing GrapheneOS on it.
This could be the most effective step you can take to safeguard your online presence (if you use a smartphone)
AVOID: Refrain from purchasing and/or using a VPN:
VPNs do not enhance your privacy. If privacy is your goal, the TOR browser is the sole option...learn more here: Don't Use VPN Services
note: here is why VPN doesn't keep you private:
VPNs don't provide privacy,...If somebody wants to tap your connection, they can still do so - they just have to do so at a different point (ie. when your traffic leaves the VPN server)
When using a VPN, the only encrypted part of the connection is from you to the VPN provider. From the VPN provider onwards, it is the same as it would have been without a VPN
Your IP address is a largely irrelevant metric in modern tracking systems. Marketers have gotten wise to these kind of tactics, and combined with increased adoption of CGNAT and an ever-increasing amount of devices per household, it just isn't a reliable data point anymore.
Marketers will almost always use some kind of other metric to identify and distinguish you. That can be anything from a useragent to a fingerprinting profile. A VPN cannot prevent this
The only situation where a VPN is necessary is when accessing a public network (though it is preferable to use your mobile data instead of connecting to a public network like those in airports or coffee shops)
- or if you need to connect to a private remote network (such as your business or home network)
SHOULD DO: Buy your own Router (affordable and simple to set up)
Avoid relying on routers provided by your ISP or companies that collect your data: (Amazon - (eero), Google (nest, etc.), Apple...)
Whenever possible, buy your own cable modem, note that fiber does not use modems.
I strongly suggest ASUS routers. They are easy to set up and don't need a monthly subscription to access all features. ASUS routers focus solely on networking and don't collect or analyze your network data.
Do yourself a favor and invest in the most expensive router you can afford... there's nothing worse than a router that lacks power. A more expensive router can also provide more privacy and security features (ASUS provides very strong and easy to use security and privacy features for no additional cost)
CONSIDER: Utilize Linux to operate your PC (it's now quite user-friendly and can significantly prolong your computer's lifespan), I use Manjaro.
It's more private and simpler to customize
It won't impose software, apps, and updates on you, nor will it constantly push you to use their EDGE browser
Note: PC manufacturers have adopted a strategy from the mobile device industry by installing a lot of 'bloatware' primarily designed to collect your data
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