Understanding your personal information online begins with grasping the terminology associated with your devices, apps, and accounts. From things like app permissions and location tracking to VPNs and cross-app advertising, there are several key terms that can significantly affect your digital privacy. Familiarizing yourself with these concepts can help you limit your data exposure and maintain more control over who accesses your information.
This series will delve deeper into privacy-related terms and concepts, while also addressing frequently asked questions from readers.
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1) App permissions
What the app can really see
Every app on your device will usually request permission to access features like your camera, microphone, or location. While some permissions are necessary for the apps to work, many ask for more access than they truly need.
When you give these permissions, you essentially allow the app to gather data in the background—even when you’re not using it. Over time, this can unintentionally expose sensitive information.
Taking the time to regularly check and limit app permissions in your phone’s settings can be one of the easiest and most effective ways to boost your privacy. Be particularly cautious with apps that have access to sensitive areas like your location, microphone, and photo library.
iPhone instructions (iOS 18 or later)
- Open Settings
- Tap Privacy and Security
- Select a category, like Location Services, Microphone, Camera, Photos, or Contacts
- Review each app
- Modify access rights to Never or App in Use if applicable
To check permissions for each app
- Open Settings
- Scroll down and select the app name
- Toggle off permissions you find unnecessary
Additional privacy tips
- For Photos, opt for Limited Access instead of full library access when you can.
Android instructions (Android 14 and above)
Settings may differ based on your smartphone model.
To check permissions by category
- Open Settings
- Tap Privacy
- Access Permission Manager
- Select a category like Location, Camera, or Microphone
- Review each app and change permissions to Do Not Allow or Allow only when using the app
To check permissions for each app
- Open Settings
- Tap Apps
- Select the app
- Tap Permissions
- Remove any unnecessary permissions
Additional privacy tips
- Disable Allow Background Usage for apps that don’t need constant access.
Why is this important
- Apps can gather data even when they aren’t being used.
- Access to sensitive information like your location, microphone, and photos is particularly concerning.
- Restricting permissions minimizes data exposure.
- It allows you to manage most apps without constant interruptions.
Additional protection beyond configuration: Even when you manage your permissions carefully, threats like malicious apps and phishing can still occur. A solid antivirus can block malware and harmful downloads before they reach your device.
2) Location information service
When your phone constantly knows your whereabouts,
Location Services utilize GPS, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and nearby cell towers to pinpoint your location. While this is handy for navigation or weather applications, many apps don’t need continuous access to your location.
Restricting access to location data can minimize tracking and help safeguard your daily activities.
iPhone instructions (iOS 18 or later)
To check access to all location information
- Open Settings
- Tap Privacy and Security
- Go to Location Services
Per app
- Tap on the app name
- Choose Never or App in Use
- Turn off Precise Location unless it’s necessary.
Recommended settings
- Avoid Always unless absolutely required.
- Use App in Use for most applications.
- Turn off precise location for apps like weather or social networking that don’t require it.
System services (optional)
- Scroll down and select System Services
- Turn off options you don’t need, such as Location-Based Advertising.
Android instructions (Android 14 and above)
Your manufacturer’s settings may vary.
To check access to location information
- Open Settings
- Tap Privacy
- Go to Location
Per app
- Select App Location Access
- Choose an app
- Select Do Not Allow or Allow Only When Using the App
- Disable Use Precise Location Information if available.
Recommended settings
- Avoid Always Allow.
- Use Allow Only While In Use for navigation apps.
- Disable precise location for apps that don’t need it.
Why is this important
- Location data can reveal your habits, routines, and preferences.
- Many apps are set to track your location in the background by default.
- Restricting access helps reduce profiling and data sharing.
- This allows you to keep basic functionality without constant tracking.
3) Two-factor authentication (2FA)
Your second line of defense
Two-factor authentication (2FA) provides added security by requiring something you know (like a password) and something you have, such as a code sent to your phone or generated via an app.
Even if a hacker manages to steal your password, data breaches or phishing attacks can still be thwarted by 2FA. Security experts strongly recommend enabling it for email, banking, and social media accounts.
Yes, it may take a few more moments to log in, but the added protection against unauthorized access is worth it.
Additional security tips:
Using strong passwords alongside 2FA is optimal. If remembering complex passwords is challenging, consider a secure password manager to help generate, store, and autofill them securely.
4) VPN (Virtual Private Network)
Hiding your online activity
A VPN creates a secure, encrypted connection between your device and the web, helping to mask your IP address and shield your online activity from prying eyes.
This is particularly crucial on public Wi-Fi networks, like in coffee shops or on airplanes, where you’re vulnerable to cyber threats. A VPN also limits tracking by advertisers and ISPs.
While a VPN won’t make you entirely anonymous online, it does offer an important layer of privacy and security.
5) Cross-app tracking
How companies connect your activity across various apps
Cross-app tracking enables advertisers and data brokers to tie your activities across multiple applications and websites together. This information helps in building comprehensive profiles based on your buying habits and interests.
On the iPhone, this tracking is managed by Apple’s App Tracking Transparency, while on Android, it’s based on the advertising ID and personalization controls.
Turning off these options can restrict how easily companies can align your actions across apps. You may still see ads, but they won’t be tailored to your specific activity.
iPhone instructions (iOS 18 or later)
- Open Settings
- Tap Privacy and Security
- Access Tracking
- Toggle Allow Apps to Request Tracking off.
Optional additional protection
- Review the list of apps and ensure none of them have permission to track you.
- Apps you’ve denied cannot track you across other platforms or websites.
Android instructions (Android 14 and above)
Settings may differ based on your device manufacturer.
- Open Settings
- Tap Privacy
- Select Ads
- Toggle Delete Advertising ID on.
- Disable Advertising Topics and Ad Measurement.
What this does
- Removes advertising ID.
- Prevents apps from sharing ad behavior across platforms.
- Limits both interest-based and cross-app advertisement profiling.
One more thing: Disabling cross-app tracking is helpful, but it won’t erase any previously collected data. Data deletion services can help you request the removal of your personal information from data broker sites.
For additional information on data deletion services, check online for free scans that will let you see if your information is already available on the web.
Key Takeaways
Maintaining your privacy online doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By understanding these common technical terms, you’ll be better equipped to recognize where your data may be collected and decide what information is safe to share. Small adjustments, such as restricting app permissions or disabling cross-app tracking, can considerably impact your privacy over time. Staying informed is the first step to taking charge of your digital presence, and we’ll continue to offer insights to help you navigate this landscape confidently.
