privacy Archives

Get everything Amazon collects and tracks about you

I was doing some research about Amazon and ran across a golden nugget I couldn’t wait to share with you. We all know Amazon tracks everything including what you browse, buy, watch and even ask Alexa.

But here’s the surprise: You can download all of it. I’ll show you how.

So, what kind of info are we talking about?

Tons. It’s literally every single thing that you’ve done with an Amazon product or site.

Your orders, addresses, payment options and subscriptions: Every single purchase you’ve ever made, including where it was sent and how you paid. Even if you tried to hide stuff by archiving it, it’s still there.
Search history: Everything you’ve ever searched for, clicked on, or added to your cart, down to the exact time and IP address. Yep, even those embarrassing searches are saved.
Ad preferences: This is what Amazon thinks you’re into, what groups they put you in to show you ads, and any ads you’ve clicked.
Customer support: All the call recordings, chats, and email transcripts. They even keep all the photos you’ve sent and any messages to third-party Marketplace Sellers.
Alexa and Echo: Details about your device and everything you’ve ever said to Alexa (with the date and time), plus any skills you’ve enabled.
Kindle, Fire TV and Fire tablets: All the tiny details about your devices, like your preferred font size and brightness on Kindle, plus when and what you searched for on Fire TV.

How do I get it?

✅ Hit the Privacy Central page. When you’re logged in, you can choose one category of data or get ‘em all at once as a ZIP file. Click the confirmation email you get, then … don’t hold your breath.

Amazon says they’ll send over your info ASAP. “Usually, this should not take more than a month.” If it’s somehow even longer, they’ll let ya know.

Can I remove all my data from Amazon?

No, not all of it. Amazon will forever keep your Fire, Echo and other device data, customer service messages, order history and account information. Even if you delete your Amazon account, they keep your details. But here are steps to:

Remove Alexa recordings
Turn off browsing and search history (#4 on the list)
Disable ad tracking and preferences

🤔 If there’s someone in your life who might be interested in this know-how, use the icons below to share it with them now. You know, I once ordered a thesaurus on Amazon. All of the pages were blank. I have no words to describe how angry I am.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

Avoid these costly mistakes when sending money

You and a friend split some apps and cocktails. Cash? Nah, payment apps make it way easier. Type in the amount, hit send and boom, you’re set.

But every time you send money, there’s a risk it could end up in the wrong place. That’s why I’m here to help you get it to the right place. Let’s dive in.

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Stuck at a desk all day?

💻 Upgrade your workspace for a new year of getting stuff done.

A memory foam seat cushion ($45) helps with booty and back pain. You can use it in cars and airplanes, too. Click the coupon box for 30% off!
Pair the seat cushion with a foot stand ($39) for extra relief. Ahh.
If you use a laptop, this stand (15% off, $17) is your posture’s new BFF. Plus, it helps your computer’s ventilation so it lasts longer.
A room divider is nice for more privacy or hiding all your junk on video meetings.
Quick! Name something more annoying than a cord you need falling behind your desk. You can’t, huh? A magnetic cord holder (25% off) stops that from happening.

🤑 Amazon Outlet is like the sale aisle at Target. It’s where they list all the super-cheap overstock and clearance items. I like the under-$10 section.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

💬 Discord is super popular with kids: If yours use it the chat app, go to User Settings > Privacy & Safety > Safe Direct Messaging > Keep Me Safe. This enables the explicit media content filter. It’s worth explaining to your kiddo why you’re turning this on.

My top New Year's resolutions

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Start the New Year right! Secure your accounts, clean up your online history, and protect your privacy with these quick tips.

🛑 Stop letting Big Tech decide what you see: StartMail is my pick for privacy-first email. It’s super easy to switch over your contacts and mail, or you can treat it as a fresh inbox for only your VIPs. Save 60% now with my special link.

What you need to know about DeepSeek

I’ve been saying it for years: The country that masters AI will dominate the world economically, politically and militarily. Since ChatGPT dropped, the U.S. seemed untouchable. Most of us Americans assumed we were a couple of years ahead of China in terms of AI, but the game has changed — and fast.

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Delete location sharing apps – How to share in the ones you use

Location sharing helps you worry less. Whether your friend’s late for dinner, your kid’s almost home or your partner’s on the way from the airport, it sure beats sending a bunch of texts back and forth.

The bad news is more and more location-sharing apps have been caught selling your data to third parties. You don’t need a separate app for location sharing; it’s baked right into the apps you already use.

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I don’t need a snowblower: At least, not in Phoenix. Seeing ads for crap you’re not into is annoying. On Facebook, filter your advertising topics by going to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Account Center > Ad Preferences > Customize ads. Easy.

Big Tech decides what you see: It doesn’t have to be that way. StartMail is my pick for the best privacy-first email. It’s super easy to switch over your contacts and mail, or you can treat it as a fresh inbox for only your VIPs. Save 60% now with my special link.

CES 2025: AI everything, waterless coffee maker, wearable for your face

Here’s your 10-second CES recap: TVs are bigger and smarter, laptops are faster and lighter, and AI is everywhere. I sifted through the fluff to bring you the best and weirdest of this year’s consumer tech showcase.

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Butt out, Big Tech: Sick of Gmail’s tracking? Your ISP does it, too, if you use their email. StartMail is my pick for privacy-first email. It’s super easy to switch over your contacts and mail. Save 60% with my special link.

Hauling away your data: A hacker group is targeting U-Haul employee accounts to steal customer emails, phone numbers and verified info, like addresses and the last four digits of credit cards. With that, they can hack into so much more, and they know exactly where to find you. Used U-Haul lately? Call 1-866-242-7780 or email privacy@uhaul.com to submit a consumer request for them to delete your personal information.

🛂 All you need is ~~love~~ a passport: In just a few years, say goodbye to paper passports. All your passport info, including your facial data, will go digital and link to your phone. At airports, you’ll just show your phone, and facial recognition cameras will authenticate you. I sure hope they’ve thought of privacy breaches, false rejections and lookalike frauds.

Retailers have so many ways to track you – Here’s how to fight back

If you have a pulse and an internet connection, companies want all the details they can get about what you’re willing to buy. Now that your holiday shopping is done, it’s time to take back control.

There’s a bit of work you can do and then to reclaim your privacy, but if you’re looking for a longer-term solution, I’ll share my secret weapon in the fight against tracking.

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A fresh inbox for the new year: Ready to ditch your Big Tech email? My privacy-first pick is StartMail. Switch over your contacts and emails with just a couple of clicks, or treat it as a fresh inbox for only your VIPs. Save 60% now with my special link.

How to take the perfect profile pic for social media sites

Your profile picture is more important than you might think. It’s your chance to make a good first impression on the world. That’s why you must know how to take the perfect profile picture for all your accounts.

Say you’re applying for a new job. Potential employers will run background checks on your social media presence. You need to have good pictures that show you at your best.

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Did Santa bring you a smart gadget? Here’s how to make the most of it

Unwrapping a new gadget is a thrill, but what comes next? If you’ve received a smart speaker, fitness tracker, tablet or any other high-tech gift, I’ll show you how to go beyond the basics.

Feeling jealous? I have links for you, too, in case there’s a gift card burning a hole in your pocket.

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Tech steps to take before you die

It’s a grim topic, but we have to think about what happens to all our online accounts, data, notes, photos, videos, websites, playlists, blogs and subscriptions once we’re gone. Do your loved ones a favor and get this sorted out beforehand.

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Delete your DNA test accounts today

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A 23andMe hack exposed sensitive data, including race and religion. Take control of your privacy — act now.