The IT Nerd

Let me get to the bottom line. Online tracking is impossible to completely avoid. For example, the FBI is allegedly pressuring ISPs to install software so they can keep an eye on you. But you can reduce how much you are tracked. Example, search engines like Bing and Google keep detailed search histories of your search. And it looks like they hand that info over to the government when requested. Employers can do the same thing. Here’s an example. A husband and wife independently searched for “backpacks” and “pressure cookers”. The result was that the feds paid them a visit to inquire as to why. You cannot do anything about the employer part, other than to do anything that your employer might have a problem with at home. But you can do something about what you search with. Use a search engine like Duck Duck Go that does not track your online search activities.

Also you might want to consider installing plug ins for your browser to stop sites like Facebook and advertisers from tracking your every move. Try using AdBlock Plus to limit how much that happens. I’d also take a look at these suggestions from the EFF as to ensure your privacy. Or as much of it as you can get these days.

This entry was posted on August 3, 2013 at 9:28 am and is filed under Tips with tags Privacy. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.