NEW You can now listen to Fox News articles!
So much for you has been collected, compiled and sold to the one who offered the highest price. Shadow finding sites and data brokers make your business know as much as possible about you. Tap or click here for three sites you should check for your information and steps to remove it.
This data collection takes place in the background and there are many things that you share freely. For example, everything you type into Google, YouTube, Gmail, Google Drive and everything else. Tap or click to see everything Google knows about you with one quick search.
I know it’s super convenient, but I bet you made a big mistake with your data.
Two-way street for data sharing
Let’s say a website makes you log in to read an article. You are presented with the option to create an account to access the article. It takes time, but alas, you see it!
You can simply log in with your Facebook or Google account. No new account needed – what a happy day.
You may not realize that the moment you log in with your Facebook or Google account, you’ve discovered more tracking points. Everything you probably do on the site is sent back to Facebook or Google. This website may receive data back from Facebook or Google.
Therefore, if you read an article about fine Italian wines, you immediately start seeing wine ads.
Stop Facebook from tracking you outside of Facebook
Facebook is known for collecting a lot of data. Its privacy center is transparent – if you know how to navigate it. Tap or click here to see everything Facebook collects from you.
To see the third-party apps and services you’ve connected to Facebook over the years, follow these steps. It shouldn’t take more than 30 seconds to find the full list and throw away everything you choose.
On your computer:
- ● Log in, and then click the down arrow in the upper-right corner.
- ● Click Settings and privacy> Select settings.
- ● Click Apps and Websites on the left side menu. If you don’t see it, select Security and Login, then Applications and Websites.
On iPhone:
- ● Open the Facebook app and tap the three-row menu in the lower right corner.
- ● Select Settings and privacy> Settings.
- ● Scroll down to the Permissions section, then tap Apps & Websites.
On an Android device:
- ● Open the Facebook app, then tap the three-line menu.
- ● Select Settings and privacy> Settings.
- ● Scroll down to Security, then tap Apps & Websites.
- ● Select You are logged in with Facebook.
Once you’ve seen Facebook-related apps and websites, you can start cutting them one by one. Remove everything you don’t want, have your data and be tracked.
FILE – This file image shows the Facebook app icon on the iPhone in New York. (AP Photo / Karly Domb Sadof, file)
LISTEN: If you have half an hour and a pair of headphones, watch this episode of my podcast, Kim Komando Today. I break down the way companies and government agencies buy your data. No, federal agencies cannot confiscate your personal information without a warrant or your permission, but they can buy it from data brokers.
Get out of Google’s grip
Then let’s go to Google and track related services. You may find that a site you haven’t used in years is still getting updates for you.
- ● To get started, visit the Connected Accounts page while signed in to your Google Account. Here you will see all the accounts you have signed up for using your Google Account.
- ● If you want to remove access, touch or click Disconnect.
Do some of the apps refuse to disconnect? This is not a coincidence. Some third-party applications will not allow you to disconnect from Google. You need to open the application itself and review its settings. Look for a section that says Linked Accounts, Linked Accounts, or something similar.
Then the application you are using should allow you to disconnect. Just follow the on-screen instructions.
PHOTO PHOTO: A pictorial illustration shows a Facebook logo reflected in a person’s eye. (REUTERS / Dado Ruvich / Illustration / File)
Then check which apps and services have access to at least part of your Google Account. This may include your calendar, incoming mail, accounts, or basic account information.
To check and remove access:
● Go to myaccount.google.com/security.
● Under Third-party applications with account access, select Manage third-party access.
● Click an application or service to see what it has access to. Click Remove Access if you choose.
Now what?
Securing your online self can feel like an endless task. Check out these handy guides for more ways to protect your privacy:
● 8 hidden cards and trackers to turn off
● Do you think Big Tech knows a lot? Your ISP is just as bad
● A new trick to find out when your phone’s camera or microphone is in use
● Your email is tracked – Learn which secret advertisers don’t want you to know
● Smartphone privacy: 3 types of apps that collect more data than you think
Bonus tip: Stop tracking Facebook, the secret camera trick and why you see ads when streaming
In this podcast, I help three callers who are in difficult places. One wants to protect her son from malicious gamers. Another wants expensive cameras at low prices. Here are some technical tricks you can use to save money and protect your privacy. I also have information about a secret Facebook setting that stops tracking.
Check out my Apple Komando Today podcast, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player.
Listen to the podcast here or wherever you get your podcasts. Just look for my last name, Commando.
What digital lifestyle questions do you have? Call Kim’s national radio show tap or click here to find it on your local radio station. You can listen to or watch The The Kim Commando Show on your phone, tablet, TV or computer. Either tap or click here for Kim’s free podcasts.
Copyright 2022, WestStar Multimedia Entertainment. All rights reserved. By clicking on the shopping links, you support my research. As an Amazon contributor, I earn a small commission on eligible purchases. I only recommend products I believe in.
Learn about all the latest technologies on The The Kim Commando Show, the largest radio talk show in the country over the weekend. Kim takes calls and gives advice on today’s digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. For her daily tips, free newsletters and more, visit her website at Komando.com.
Add Comment