Over the past two decades, data has become an increasingly valuable resource. This has caused data harvesting to become an almost unavoidable aspect of any online experience. Companies across various industries collect user data to optimize their services, improve marketing strategies, enhance engagement, or assess performance. While users expect this, most aren’t aware of data collection practices that dig deeper into an individual’s privacy. Data collection practices on social media platforms and search engines are just the tip of the iceberg, as the issue extends far beyond these platforms.
Healthcare providers, gaming companies, and retailers are other prominent fields that harvest data. All of these services handle sensitive personal information that you don’t want everyone to have access to. Because of this, many individuals are turning to data removal services to protect their privacy. Through these services, individuals can request that their data be removed, as is their right. As a result, these companies must relinquish their hold on your data or be penalized. However, while this is the best countermeasure, it is crucial to understand precisely how companies collect your data and what you can do to prevent it.
How Companies Collect and Use Your Data
Businesses use a variety of techniques for data collection, often without users realizing the extent of the data they share. While beneficial for companies, these systems may harm individuals’ privacy as they browse the web. Some of the most common sneaky data harvesting methods are:
- Cookies and Tracking Pixels – Most web pages store cookies on users’ devices to track browsing behavior. These cookies allow advertisers to serve targeted ads based on previous interactions. Tracking pixels are tiny, invisible images embedded in emails or websites. Their role is to assist in monitoring how users interact with digital content.
- Accounts and Online Forms – Almost all websites nowadays require users to sign up or fill out a form. These systems request personal information such as email addresses, phone numbers, names, and regions. Companies gather this data and then utilize it for their benefit, often without disclosing it to users.
- Device and Location Tracking – You might have encountered web pages or apps requesting access to your GPS data or IP address. While this does allow you to get more relevant information, it is a sneaky way companies collect this data from you. This information is beneficial for companies as it gives them valuable regional insight.
Each of these data harvesting strategies is extremely common in the modern digital space, to the point where they are almost unavoidable. However, they are just the commonly known methods among users in the digital space. Aside from these, there are many intricate ways companies harvest data.
The Data You Didn’t Know You Were Sharing
Beyond the previously mentioned direct interactions, user data is often collected in surprising ways. Even if you are an incredibly privacy-conscious individual, these methods might have gotten your data:
- Data Brokers – These are companies that specialize in acquiring data from various sources and selling it further. This information comes from public records, social media platforms, or tracking tools. Brokers utilize this gathered or bought data to compile comprehensive profiles that are valuable for advertisers and relevant businesses. Once created, they sell them with the aim of using their marketing insights to execute optimized marketing strategies.
- Third-Party Integrations – Most platforms that collect behavioral data and share it with advertisers utilize integrations buried in terms of service agreements. These agreements are notoriously overlooked, so platforms use them to collect personal data legally. For users, this means that even innocent interactions, such as liking posts or watching videos, contribute to their collected data profile.
- Smart Devices – Connected devices around your home, such as smart speakers, appliances, and home assistants, collect vast amounts of data. Everything from voice recordings to shopping lists or daily routines can be collected and utilized. While this data is used to improve your experience with smart appliances, it can also be leveraged for commercial purposes.
This creates a frightening space if you wish for your personal life and all its aspects to remain private. For most individuals, the best way to do this is to take the time and learn how to protect their information. Doing this will stop the issue at its roots, allowing you to enjoy your privacy.
Protecting Your Information
When protecting your personal information, you have some best practices you should follow. The first and most crucial step is to adjust your privacy settings across the web pages you frequent. Most websites and apps offer privacy controls that will allow you to limit data collection and disable tracking and cookies. For most users, the best way to accomplish this is to switch to privacy-focused browsers paired with extensions that minimize data collection.
With this baseline, you should be diligent around your data and cautious with permissions. This is especially important when installing apps or signing up for new services. You can avoid unnecessary access to your personal data by thoroughly reviewing permission requests. However, if you are already in doubt that your data is out there, data removal services will be your best friend. Through these services, you can enact your right to be forgotten and have any data on you removed from companies. With this, you are ready to tackle the space of digital privacy and keep your data private.