The internet tracks almost everything. Every internet activity, including clicks and social media posts, creates digital records. Many people want more privacy. The main need is to prevent advertisements from showing and protect against hackers and data monitoring activities. Others just prefer online anonymity. Even though the internet tracks every user's actions, one can achieve internet obscurity through several effective steps.
The Internet privacy tool VPN utilizes an IP address-concealing system. Through encryption, the VPN generates secure communication between devices and their destination internet networks. It becomes more difficult to track the activities performed online through such measures. A research survey from 2023 demonstrates that more than 30% of people who access the internet depend on VPNs for protection and personal information security.
Social media websites accumulate an enormous amount of individual information when users utilize their services. Having a private account on these services cannot protect personal data, as companies continue to track every action performed by users and store the data. Research shows that Americans are strongly concerned about how their personal information gets used online; 79% have these worries.
Account deactivation or removal on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter platforms can reduce online visibility.
The content and history of personal information reside in search engines, which can display that information publicly. Examples of personal data such as names, phone numbers, and addresses can appear when users perform online searches. Through its "Remove Personal Information" request tool, Google provides its users with removal options. The tool assists users in removing their sensitive data from all search engine results.
The removal of personal information can be achieved through a data broker connection. Personal details operated by Whitepages, Spokeo, and PeopleFinder become part of their product offerings for commercial distribution. One can submit requests to these sites to reduce their online accessibility.
Email communication systems and text channels fail to deliver secure transmission. Persistent security through Signal and Telegram provides enhanced user confidentiality. Users receive private email content through encryption using ProtonMail and Tutanota messaging services.
The tools create an unbreakable shield that protects messages from unwanted entities seeking access. Such services restrict how much data they permit their tech companies to gather. Encrypted communication provides additional cybersecurity tips that efficiently protect user information.
Various applications silently monitor the user's geographical position without offering any notifications. User location information becomes accessible through smartphone technology, social media applications, and search engine platforms. An analysis of mobile applications conducted in 2022 revealed that 72% of these programs seek access to monitor users' locations.
To maintain anonymity, disabling location tracking from the device settings is recommended. Users should also refrain from checking in on social media platforms at their current locations. To ensure location privacy while browsing, activate a VPN that conceals actual browsing locations.
Web browsers store data, cookies, and history. To browse anonymously, use privacy-focused browsers like Tor or Brave. Brave blocks ads and trackers automatically.
For extra security, enable incognito mode when using standard browsers. This prevents cookies and history from being saved.
It takes a lot of effort to hide an online presence, but it is possible. Using a VPN, deleting old accounts, and limiting data sharing help improve privacy. Small steps make a big difference in staying anonymous online. Digital privacy is a right; everyone can control their own data.