Privacy concerns have grown as more of our private data is being gathered online. We share intimate details with just a few clicks. The majority of people, however, are ignorant of how extensively their data is shared.
Behind the scenes, there is a whole data broker industry that makes money off of our digital traces. Businesses or individuals known as data brokers gather and resell personal data, such as phone numbers and online surfing behaviour. In this piece, we'll look at how data brokers work and some important steps we can take to safeguard our personal data.
Data collection
Data brokers collect data from a variety of public and commercial sources. They can simply gather data from websites and applications without your knowledge by paying app developers to embed SDKs (software development kits) in their apps. The data broker's SDKs can then record the various rights provided to apps, such as access to contacts and location. They can even pay app owners directly for the information rather than installing the software kits.
Another source of data include public records, such as voter registration, birth certificates, marriage licenses, census data, and divorce records. The Internet is also a valuable source of information. The Internet is also a valuable source of information. Data brokers can acquire personal information from things like social media postings or interactions, online quizzes, virtual contests, or websites browsed.
Data usage
Customer data is utilised in a variety of ways, including targeting online adverts based on purchase history to make them more relevant. Data brokers may tell advertisers what brands a person has purchased and when they may require more, enabling timed adverts. Customer data is also used to detect fraud, such as cross-referencing loan applications with background information obtained from data brokers.
This allows lenders to validate facts such as income and debts mentioned. Loan and insurance businesses purchase data to view a person's debts, loans, payments, income, employment history, and assets. People search sites also rely on data brokers to display names, addresses, ages, and other information when consumers search for someone.
Privacy tips
Numerous reputable firms can assist you in removing your information from data broker websites. They search the internet for your information on sites such as data brokers and search engines, and then make requests to have it removed. Make sure you select the correct service provider and read through user reviews. Reliable organisations, such as DeleteMe, are supported by real testimonials; you can read DeleteMe reviews here.
You should also limit what you post online. Share only the essential information, and avoid disclosing sensitive information such as your address and phone number. You can also use VPNs and encrypted browsers. A VPN conceals your IP address and encrypts your connection, avoiding internet tracking that brokers rely on. Secure browsers disable trackers and fingerprints, ensuring that your activity is not traced to you.
Additionally, consider deleting unused and online apps. Be aware of the privacy settings on your devices, apps, and social media profiles, and make sure they are set to maximum privacy. Avoid consenting to privacy policies or terms of service without thoroughly reading them, particularly the fine print.
