Understanding the scope of data collection by tech companies on their users can be overwhelming! While it may seem like they have all the power, remember that you're the one in control. Here are a couple strategies to start taking charge over your data.
While this isn't a popular option, tech companies are required to include privacy policies on their websites to disclose how what data they collect from users, and what it's used for. There are often barriers to understanding privacy policies, the most notable one being their "fine print" nature; they're often long, dense and include tons of jargon, so the average consumer has no interest or background knowledge to fully understand the extent of what the policy is really saying.
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Cookies are unique identifiers for a given website that allow services to streamline user experiences by remembering who you are. While this is great for the user, it also allows companies to collect data and build a profile on you, with your cookie ID as the identifier. Whenever you visit a new website, there will usually be a popup about cookies; if you can't reject them there, click "see more", and there should be an option to reject all cookies and personal data collection.
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Third party data vendors collect and sell user data, and taking them down is a tedious, time consuming process. Big tech companies can also serve themselves as a data vendor! States have been passing law that allow for third party services to communicate with these data vendors on your behalf, asking how they use your data, and requests to delete it, which they must respond to. Using a service such as Consumer Report's Permission Slip App allows for you to address many companies and take charge of your data's use and distribution in an easy, central location.
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