Last Updated: June 26, 2022.
Apple has announced a new update for its iOS platform, which includes several major privacy enhancements. This is great news for users who are concerned about their online privacy.
The new update includes features that will make it harder for companies to track your online behavior. It also includes a “privacy guard” that will help you protect your personal information from being accessed by third-party apps.
Although this is a step forward for online privacy, there are still some best practices that you should be aware of regardless of Apple’s iOS update.
Best Practice #1 – Turn Off App Tracking
Some security and privacy measures Apple cannot address but you can. For example, apps collect and store your data. That is why it is important to be aware of the privacy policies of the apps you use and to only give them access to the information you are comfortable sharing.
You can prevent apps from tracking your activity by going to Settings >
Privacy > Tracking and turning off the "Allow Apps to Request to Track"
setting.
Best Practice #2 – Use a VPN
Another way to improve your online privacy is to use a VPN, which encrypts the data that you send and receive online. This makes it much more difficult for anyone to snoop on your online activity.
Ideally, you’d want to use a PIA dedicated IP VPN. This means that you will be assigned a unique IP address that is not shared with any other users. This makes it much more difficult for anyone to track your online activity.
Best Practice #3 – Use a Private Browser
When it comes to online privacy, the browser you use matters. Private browsers like Firefox Focus and Brave are designed with privacy in mind. They block trackers and prevent third-party cookies from being installed on your device.
Private browsing modes in mainstream browsers like Safari, Chrome, and Edge are not as effective at preventing tracking. That’s because they still allow third-party cookies and other forms of tracking. So, if privacy is a concern for you, it’s best to use a dedicated private browser.
Best Practice #4 – Adjust Your Social Media Settings
Social media platforms are some of the worst offenders when it comes to privacy. They track your online activity, collect data about you, and sell it to advertisers.
You can adjust your social media settings to improve your privacy. For example, on Facebook, you can go to Settings > Ads and turn off the “Ads based on my use of websites and apps” setting.
On Twitter, you can go to Settings > Privacy and safety > Data usage and select “Do not tail or otherwise share information about my device with Twitter.”
Best Practice #5 – Be Careful About What Information You Share Online
Even if you take all of the above measures, you’re not completely anonymous online. That’s because you’re still sharing information about yourself whenever you go online.
For example, when you create an account on a website, you’re usually required to give your name, email address, and other personal information. So, be careful about what information you share online and only give out the bare minimum amount of information that is required.
Why Online Privacy Matters
It’s important to be aware of your online privacy for several reasons. First, companies use the data they collect about you to target ads at you. This can be annoying and intrusive.
Second, if your personal information falls into the wrong hands, it could be used for identity theft or other malicious purposes. That’s why it’s important to take steps to protect your online privacy and limit the amount of information that you share online.
Finally, online privacy is important for democracy and civil liberties. When we’re able to freely express our opinions and ideas online without fear of surveillance or retribution, it allows for a more open and democratic society.
Conclusion
Taking these steps will help improve your online privacy, but it’s important to remember that there is no such thing as complete anonymity or privacy on the internet. The best way to protect your privacy is to be aware of the ways that your personal information can be collected and shared online.
If you’re concerned about online privacy, Apple’s new iOS update is a step in the right direction. However, there are still some best practices that you should be aware of to ensure that your data is as safe as possible. By following the tips above, you can help protect your online privacy.