If you think “Private Mode” keeps you safe, you are wrong. Social media companies are data brokers. Your likes, your location, and even how long you look at a photo are sold to advertisers.
Here is How to Protect Your Privacy on Social Media Today (without deleting your accounts).
1. Turn Off “Precise Location”
Most apps default to tracking your exact GPS coordinates. They don’t need to know you are in the bathroom of a Starbucks.
The Fix: Go to Settings -> Privacy -> Location Services. Switch Instagram/TikTok/Facebook from “Precise Location” to “Approximate Location.” They still know you are in “New York,” but not which building.
2. Review “Connected Apps”
记得 that quiz you took 5 years ago? “Which Harry Potter character are you?” It still has access to your Facebook data.
The Fix: Go to Settings -> Apps and Websites. Remove everything you don’t use. These old connections are major security holes.
3. Stop the “Ad Tracking” (iOS)
Apple introduced a feature called “App Tracking Transparency.” When an app asks “Allow Instagram to track your activity across other companies’ apps?”, click “Ask App Not to Track.”
This stops them from seeing what you search for on Amazon and then showing you ads for it on Instagram.
4. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
If you don’t have 2FA turned on, your account is already hacked; you just don’t know it yet. Use an Authenticator App (like Google Authenticator), not SMS (which can be spoofed).
Kiran’s Take: The “Vegas” Rule
Treat the internet like Las Vegas. Assume everything you do is being watched by cameras.
Never post your boarding pass (it contains your passport info). Never post your home address. Never post that you are “Home Alone.”
Social engineering is easier than hacking code. Don’t give them the keys.
Conclusion
You can’t be 100% invisible online, but you can be a harder target. Lock your doors.
Worried about scams? Read Online Scams Guide.
