How to Protect Your Privacy from Social Media and Smartphone Risks

Social media and smartphones have become an integral part of our lives, but they also pose significant threats to our privacy. In this article, we will explore some of the dangers of using these platforms and devices, and how to protect yourself from them.

What are the dangers of social media?

Social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, allow us to connect with friends, family, and strangers around the world. However, they also collect and share a lot of personal information about us, sometimes without our consent or knowledge. Some of the risks of using social media include:

• Data breaches: Social media platforms can be hacked or compromised by malicious actors who can access and leak our personal data, such as names, email addresses, passwords, phone numbers, photos, messages, and more. For example, in 2018, Facebook admitted that a security breach exposed the data of 50 million users.

• Surveillance: Social media platforms can also be used by governments, corporations, or other entities to monitor our online activities, preferences, opinions, and behaviors. For example, in 2017, it was revealed that the CIA had created tools to spy on users of Facebook, Twitter, Google, and other platforms.

• Manipulation: Social media platforms can also be used to influence our thoughts, emotions, and actions through targeted ads, fake news, misinformation, propaganda, or conspiracy theories. For example, in 2016, it was reported that Russian operatives used social media to interfere in the US presidential election by spreading divisive and false content.

What are the dangers of smartphones?

Smartphones are convenient devices that allow us to access the internet, communicate with others, use various apps, take photos and videos, and more. However, they also store and transmit a lot of sensitive information about us, such as:

• Location data: Smartphones can track and record our location history through GPS, Wi-Fi, cellular networks, or other sensors. This data can reveal where we live, work, shop, travel, and more. For example, in 2018, it was found that Google still tracked users’ location even when they turned off the Location History feature.

• Communication data: Smartphones can also record and store our communication history through calls, texts, emails, chats, or other apps. This data can reveal who we talk to, when we talk to them, what we say to them, and more. For example, in 2013, it was exposed that the NSA collected millions of phone records from Verizon customers in the US.

• Behavioral data: Smartphones can also collect and analyze our behavioral data through various sensors or apps. This data can reveal how we use our phones, what we search for online, what we like or dislike online, what we buy online or offline, how we move or sleep, and more. For example, in 2020, it was reported that Facebook tracked users’ eye movements, facial expressions, and other biometric data through its app.

How to protect your privacy from social media and smartphone risks?

There is no perfect way to protect your privacy from social media and smartphone risks, but there are some steps you can take to minimize your exposure and vulnerability. Some of these steps include:

• Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication for your accounts.

• Review and adjust your privacy settings on your platforms and devices.

• Limit or disable location services or other permissions for apps that don’t need them.

• Delete or deactivate accounts or apps that you don’t use or trust.

• Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading unknown files or apps.

• Use encryption or VPN services to secure your online communication and browsing.

• Use alternative search engines or browsers that respect your privacy, such as DuckDuckGo or Tor.

• Be aware and critical of the content you see or share online, and verify the sources and facts before believing them.

• Educate yourself and others about the importance and challenges of privacy in the digital age.