The Cost of Free Browsing

 

Online interactions fuel companies like Google, allowing them to gather data on your habits and location for targeted ads. While these “free” services seem convenient, they come at the cost of your personal information. This trade-off not only makes ads feel invasive but also exposes you to risks like identity theft and scams.

To protect your online privacy, consider these steps:

1. Use Incognito Mode: Prevent browsers from saving history and cookies.

2. Switch Search Engines: Privacy-focused options like DuckDuckGo avoid tracking.

3. Add Privacy Extensions: Block trackers and secure connections with vetted tools.

4. Use a VPN: Encrypt your connection and hide your IP address on public WiFi.

5. Clear Cookies: Limit tracking by managing or deleting cookies regularly.

With simple measures, you can minimize exposure and reclaim control of your digital footprint.