Tue, 11 Mar 2025

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 Why people are cutting back their online profile

A new wave of AI has spurred some to think more carefully about their online presence.

* Anita Smith, a woman who has experienced online stalking and harassment, has scaled back her online presence by removing locations from social media posts and deleting accounts.
* Research suggests that 39% of people are concerned about how companies use their online data, while 26% admit to using a VPN.
* Experts recommend reducing online footprints by: + Being cautious about sharing personal information + Using a different email address for websites + Deleting cookies and tracking settings + Requesting that companies delete data held on individuals + Using services such as DeleteMe or Surfshark to remove personal info from data brokers
* The article also highlights the issue of AI being used to impersonate people, making it easier for scammers to use stolen online information.
* Some experts recommend using a VPN, cookie-blockers and selecting web browsers with privacy controls to reduce digital footprints.
* Others suggest that governments need to have strong laws to protect individuals' data.
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