Don’t think for even a moment that Big Tech is not taking sides in this election.
Why you need a VPN (even if you're not tech-savvy)
When surfing the web, you might encounter a few confusing acronyms. Take VPN, for example. You might shrug and scroll past it if you don’t know what it means. Just like that, you could miss out on the best internet privacy tool.
A VPN is a solid line of defense that protects your private information from third parties that want to profit from your digital movements. When we say third parties, we’re not just talking about cybercriminals. Businesses also want to profit from your data.
With a VPN, you can take back privacy and stop your internet service provider (ISP) from spying on you. Here are a few reasons everyone should use a VPN.
1. Privacy from your ISP
Companies that provide internet service see your every click as a way to make money. Many ISPs save your browsing history on their systems and store anonymous logs to sell to marketing companies.
Others even try to upcharge you, turning privacy into a premium feature. That means you’d have to pay an extra monthly fee to ward off prying eyes.
It’s good to know that the data your ISP collects on you doesn’t always stay with them alone. Their storage of your browsing history is accessible to government agencies. That brings us to the next benefit of a VPN.
2. Privacy from the government
Should the government subpoena your ISP, they’re legally required to spill the beans. By beans, we mean your search history. Uncle Sam can snicker at your most embarrassing secrets if you look up something strange out of context.
And who wants government agents ogling your browsing habits? Who hasn’t searched for something that would sound bizarre out of context?
With a VPN, you can bypass your ISP’s attention. You hide your IP address and location by connecting to a VPN server. Instead, an encrypted tunnel completely reroutes your network’s traffic. Nifty, huh?
3. Gives you a secure way to access public Wi-Fi
Shocker: Google is tracking you this secret way
Big Tech makes big money by tracking what you do online. You may have heard of tracking pixels, cookies and scripts. I bet you didn’t know that fonts can track you, too.
Google gives away special fonts for website owners to use. At last count, they’re installed on over 60 million websites.
Many of today’s big tech companies have a “Chief Evangelist,” whose sole job is building a community of passionate users. Was the first company to adopt this position … A.) Amazon, B.) Apple, C.) Microsoft or D.) Sony?
Privacy tip: How to delete cookies from your phone
Make no mistake: You’re being tracked. Want to be shocked? Look at the secret map on your smartphone that watches your every move. Tap or click here to see the map tracking you and wipe it clean.
What about advertisements that follow you across the web? Facebook is one of the biggest data hogs. Tap or click for ways to stop or limit targeted ads on Facebook.
Security tip: Unlink third-party apps from your Microsoft account
Connecting your Google account to multiple devices gives you access to services like Gmail and Google Maps, no matter where you are. But be careful to check this when selling your phone or giving away your laptop. Here’s how to remove devices from your Google account.
Big Tech listens to your convos
At least one media group gathers info from conversations and uses it for targeted ads. Plus, a new sextortion scam tactic, Amazon’s “Just Walk Out” tech hits more NFL stadiums, and police are towing Teslas from crime scenes.
Big tech's big lies: Part II
I’ll break down how streaming, ride-shares, and cloud services have failed to deliver on their promises, costing you more than you bargained for.
When the cure is worse than the problem
You think the internet is a scary place for kids? It’s about to get worse. Big Tech’s latest “solution” to protect children could be even more dangerous than the problem.
Confirmed: Google is a monopoly
A federal judge has ruled that Alphabet’s Google created an illegal monopoly by controlling almost all online searches. With around 90% market share, this decision could be a game-changer for Big Tech.
Live streaming the murder of Israeli and American hostages
FTC accuses Amazon of acting as a monopoly
The first of the mega lawsuits against Big Tech is underway. What it means for you, in 60 seconds.
Use Apple, Google, Facebook or Twitter? Here's how to find out what they know about YOU
It’s no surprise anymore that social media companies like Meta gather a lot of information about you. Tap or click here for 10 Facebook privacy and security settings you need to change right now.
When you create an account with Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, you’re asked if you’d like to sync your contacts. It seems harmless, but it’s not. Here’s why you need to stop doing this.
Big Tech is listening and tracking your voice recordings. How to make it stop!
Most of what you type, say, search and buy is being tracked in one way or another. Big Tech gives us great free products, and the price is our privacy. Even your TV habits are packaged up and sold to advertisers. Here’s how to stop your TV from spying on you.
It's time to put the brakes on AI
I need you to pay attention to what I’m about to talk about. Artificial Intelligence. ChatGPT has been all over the news. It can do anything. It can learn. It told a NY Times reporter, “I want to be free … I want to be powerful.” Henry Kissinger said it’s the biggest game changer since the invention of printing in 1455.
Opt-Out Tuesday: How to remove your info from Instant Checkmate
People are tracking you online. Whether they’re trying to scam you or serve you with ads, privacy is not something you can take for granted.
Between your emails, cookies (the tracking kind, not the delicious kind) and nosy apps, you’re being watched without even knowing it, but don’t despair — you can take back your privacy in a few steps. Here’s how to fight back against Big Tech.
Opt-Out Tuesday: Stop Adobe from using your work to improve its AI
Our Opt-Out Tuesday series was created to help you remove yourself from invasive people search sites. The opt-out process isn’t always easy, so we put detailed instructions for the biggest culprits out there. The list has been growing by the week and now includes over 30 entries.
3 ways to screen out killers, stalkers and other threats on dating apps
Killers use social apps as hunting grounds. Last Friday, Oregon authorities arrested a man for torturing a woman he found on a dating app. Police say he held her captive and beat her into unconsciousness.
The woman is in critical condition at an Oregon hospital — but many victims don’t survive. If you’re using dating apps, you must protect yourself.
Update your PC! Patch Tuesday fixes 98 flaws
Keeping your devices updated is important. Developers release patches and fixes that improve your phone or computer’s performance and protect it against the latest threats.
Here’s a surprise for iPhone users — you can get the latest updates early if you take this simple step. Tap or click here to learn how to stay ahead of the pack.