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Basics
- Secure your devices.
- Manage your privacy settings.
- Browse privately.
- Turn off unused apps and subscriptions.
- Limit location sharing to trusted apps and individuals.
- Opt out of unneeded communications and join do-not-call/do-not mail lists.
- Request data deletion from data brokers or use a web-scrubbing service to do it on your behalf.
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Social Media
- Regularly check permissions for apps on your devices.
- Periodically review your friends, followers, and connections.
- Check your social media logins and tags.
- Hide social media profiles from search engines.
- Do not disclose sensitive details and identifiable information about yourself.
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University of Michigan
- Go to ViziBLUE to find out what personal information the university collects and how it is used and shared.
- Choose how much information to share on MCommunity.
- Review MCommunity group privacy settings.
- Use Personal and Private folders.
- Protect privacy when using third-party applications, such as Google and videoconferencing services.
- Use VPN when traveling.
Tools for Privacy Protection
Browsers and extensions
Internet browsers and extensions that work to protect your online anonymity and security by encrypting traffic and preventing data collection.
Communication platforms
Communication software that prioritize end-to-end encryption and user privacy to enable secure communication and file sharing.
Operating systems
Privacy-focused operating systems designed to protect users from surveillance and security threats.
Guides
Informational guides for privacy, surveillance, and general technology.
- How to read privacy notices
- Surveillance Self-Defense Toolkit
- Techsplanations
- Tom’s Guide Free VPN list
Services
Free consumer protection tools from the federal government to safeguard your personal information.
Essential Privacy Organizations and Websites
Academic Research Centers & Programs
Organizations based at universities conducting scholarly research on privacy, technology, and cybersecurity.
- Georgetown Law Center on Privacy & Technology
- Harvard Berkman Klein Center – Privacy Research
- Berkeley Center for Law & Technology – Privacy & Cybersecurity Center
- U-M Center for Social Media Responsibility (Social Integrity)
Advocacy & Civil Liberties Organizations
Nonprofits focused on defending digital rights, civil liberties, and privacy through legal action, policy work, and public campaigns.
- Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF)
- Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC)
- Privacy International
- Privacy Rights Clearinghouse
Industry & Professional Organizations
Groups focused on privacy policy development, professional standards, and bridging the gap between industry and regulation.
Practical Privacy & Cybersecurity Resources
Websites offering actionable guidance, tools, and education for individuals looking to improve their personal privacy and online safety.