Today’s mobile devices are more connected to the Internet than ever before. Every action done on our phone generates a lot of data that is shared to various companies. This data is of interest to them for various purposes such as advertising, tracking, etc. It is very valuable as it allows them to analyze people’s preferences and behaviors, market and sell better, and in turn, generate huge revenues for the companies.
However. there are downsides to this practice. The sheer number of companies tracking users without them being aware of it is unimaginable. It would be impractical to review the privacy policies of each one individually, and (assuming that those policies respect user privacy) that they’re being adhered to. Also, for most of these trackers, it is done by default without informed consent, or by being hidden in the terms and conditions or cookie notices which is accepted by most users.
While there may not be any obvious harm in sharing data with trackers, and even if we feel we have nothing to hide, being tracked is an invasion of personal privacy. Although it is possible to provide services on the Internet without tracking users, unfortunately, tracking has become the standard practice.
Today, there are regulations such as the GDPR in EU and CCPA in California which represent significant steps taken by governments to protect users’ privacy online, imposing stricter guidelines on data collection and ensuring greater transparency and control for individuals over their personal information.
Similarly, we can do a few things at the individual level ourselves to protect our privacy online. The first step towards reducing tracking on our phone would be to use a tracker blocker such as TrackerControl which is available on F-Droid. Next, we can install a custom OS on our phone if it supports one. A good first custom OS to try would be LineageOS. This OS project supports a lot of devices. If you own a device which LineageOS supports, you can give it a try. Be sure to read the instruction carefully. Another advantage of using a custom OS is to extend a phone’s life after official support from the manufacturer has ended.
The pervasive nature of tracking technologies can lead to a significant erosion of personal privacy, often without our explicit consent or awareness. By taking proactive steps, such as using tracker blockers and exploring alternative operating systems like LineageOS, we can reclaim control over our digital lives. As individuals, we have the power to demand better privacy practices and make informed choices that prioritize our autonomy in an increasingly connected world. Ultimately, fostering a culture of privacy not only benefits us as individuals but also encourages companies to adopt more respectful and transparent data practices.