Data brokers, at a glance What they do: collect and package personal data into profiles sold to marketers, risk teams, and others. Where data comes from: public records, apps, websites, location services, and retail purchases. Why it matters: fuels identity theft risk, discriminatory decisions, hyper-targeting, and exposure. Do this now: enable tracker blocking and a […]

Children’s data and AI FTC opens 6(b) inquiry into AI companion chatbots September 11, 2025 The Federal Trade Commission issued compulsory 6(b) orders to seven firms that run consumer AI chatbots, seeking details on testing for youth harms, guardrails for teen use, data handling, and monetization practices. Sources are listed at the end of this […]

First Impressions Are Made Online Before an employer invites you to interview, there is a very good chance they will check your online presence. In many cases, the first thing they will see is not your résumé, it is your public social media profiles. A single old post, questionable comment, unprofessional photo or even likes […]

Definition of Social Media Footprint A social media footprint is the sum of all the activity, content, and data linked to your presence on social platforms. Every comment, like, share, video upload, private message, profile update, and even your connections contribute to this footprint. Some of it is public and easy for others to find. […]

Facebook feels personal. It is filled with familiar names, faces, and memories. That sense of comfort is exactly what scammers use to their advantage. Social engineering is not about hacking software. It is about manipulating people. If you trust what you see, you are more likely to click, share, or respond. That is why Facebook […]

Facial recognition technology is spreading rapidly, showing up in airports, stores, and even our everyday devices. While it is often promoted as a tool for security and convenience, its quiet expansion into the private sector has sparked serious debate. The latest controversy centers around Home Depot, which is now facing a major lawsuit over its […]

2026 is fast approaching, choosing the right web browser is one of the most important decisions for protecting your privacy online. While all browsers let you surf the web, not all of them treat your personal data the same way. Some prioritize speed and convenience at the expense of privacy, quietly collecting usage data or […]

If you’ve noticed Instagram’s new Friends Reels tab showing your likes and comments to others, you might not be thrilled. By default, the feature can display your reel activity to friends or followers you follow back. The good news is you can turn it off in just a few taps. Step-by-Step: How to Disable Friends […]

TL;DR – YouTube is expanding age checks for viewers and tightening identity checks for creators. The UK’s Online Safety Act and Australia’s new under-16 social-media rules are the big levers forcing platforms toward “highly effective age assurance” (read: ID, credit card, or selfie verification). Read on for details about the changes, and how you can […]

Overnight, Meta rolled out Instagram maps for many of its users. Instagram chief has publicly stated that the feature is opt-in only, despite many users claiming they were opted-in automatically. Ready to turn it off? Skip to the instructions here. Whether or not Meta has made a mistake, sharing your location with followers every time […]