[ { "id": "iphone", "name": "iPhone (iOS)", "category": "Phones", "checked": null, "sources": [ "https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/iphone/iphf60a6a256/ios", "https://support.apple.com/en-gb/105131", "https://www.apple.com/legal/privacy/data/en/apple-advertising/", "https://support.apple.com/en-gb/102420", "https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/iphone/iph3dd5f9be/ios", "https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/personal-safety/ips9bf20ad2f/web", "https://support.apple.com/en-gb/108971", "https://www.apple.com/legal/privacy/data/en/device-analytics/", "https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/iphone/iph7c3d96bab/ios", "https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/iphone/iphc28624b81abc/ios" ], "settings": [ { "id": "personalised-ads", "label": "Personalised Ads", "pattern": "default-capture", "shipped": "Since iOS 15 the subject is asked when first opening the App Store, News or Stocks. Press reports say it was on by default before that. Not offered to minors or managed accounts.", "suggested": "Turn Personalised Ads off.", "why": "Apple stops using account details, downloads and reading in News and Stocks to choose adverts. The number of adverts may stay the same.", "path": [ "Settings", "Privacy & Security", "Apple Advertising", "Personalised Ads" ], "link": null }, { "id": "app-tracking-requests", "label": "Allow Apps to Request to Track", "pattern": "default-capture", "shipped": "On for adult accounts, so apps can ask to track. It cannot be turned on for under-18 or managed accounts, or in the first three days of a new account.", "suggested": "Turn Allow Apps to Request to Track off.", "why": "Every app is treated as if the subject asked it not to track, without a prompt each time. Apps already allowed can be reviewed on the same screen.", "path": [ "Settings", "Privacy & Security", "Tracking", "Allow Apps to Request to Track" ], "link": null }, { "id": "significant-locations", "label": "Significant Locations & Routes", "pattern": "surveillance-as-convenience", "shipped": "May be on if Location Services was turned on during set-up. Apple's help pages do not state the default.", "suggested": "Turn Significant Locations & Routes off, and clear the history if it is not wanted.", "why": "The phone stops building a record of places the subject visits often and how they travel there. Predicted routes, Photos memories and some suggestions become less specific to the subject.", "path": [ "Settings", "Privacy & Security", "Location Services", "System Services", "Significant Locations & Routes" ], "link": null }, { "id": "analytics", "label": "Share iPhone Analytics", "pattern": "default-capture", "shipped": "Apple's help pages do not state the default. Shown as Share iPhone & Watch Analytics when an Apple Watch is paired.", "suggested": "Turn Share iPhone Analytics off.", "why": "Usage and performance reports, which may include location when Location Services is on, stop going to Apple. Nothing on the phone stops working.", "path": [ "Settings", "Privacy & Security", "Analytics & Improvements", "Share iPhone Analytics" ], "link": null }, { "id": "scheduled-summary", "label": "Scheduled Summary", "pattern": "notification-creep", "shipped": "Off. Notifications arrive as they are sent unless the subject turns the summary on.", "suggested": "Turn Scheduled Summary on and choose the apps and times.", "why": "Non-urgent notifications arrive in batches at set times instead of one by one. Messages from people and time-sensitive alerts can still come straight through.", "path": [ "Settings", "Notifications", "Scheduled Summary" ], "link": null }, { "id": "siri-suggestions", "label": "Allow Notifications", "pattern": "ambient-nudging", "shipped": "Siri suggestions may appear in notifications, search, the App Library and the share sheet. Apple's help pages do not state the defaults.", "suggested": "Turn off the suggestion places that are not wanted.", "why": "The phone stops proposing apps, contacts and actions based on the subject's routines. The same screen has Show in App Library, Show When Sharing and Show Listening Suggestions.", "path": [ "Settings", "Siri", "Suggestions", "Allow Notifications" ], "link": null } ] }, { "id": "android", "name": "Android", "category": "Phones", "checked": null, "sources": [ "https://support.google.com/android/answer/3467281?hl=en-GB", "https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/6078260?hl=en-GB", "https://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/answer/6048248?hl=en", "https://support.google.com/android/answer/13720755?hl=en-GB", "https://support.google.com/android/answer/9079661?hl=en-GB" ], "settings": [ { "id": "location-accuracy", "label": "Improve Location Accuracy", "pattern": "surveillance-as-convenience", "shipped": "The help pages do not state a default. When on, Google collects nearby Wi-Fi, mobile network and sensor data. Paths here follow Google's Android help for Android 12 and later and differ by manufacturer.", "suggested": "Turn Improve Location Accuracy off if GPS alone is enough.", "why": "Google collects less data about wireless signals around the subject. Location becomes slower and less accurate indoors, which can affect maps and finding a lost phone.", "path": [ "Settings", "Location", "Location Services", "Location Accuracy", "Improve Location Accuracy" ], "link": null }, { "id": "usage-diagnostics", "label": "Usage & diagnostics", "pattern": "default-capture", "shipped": "Chosen during set-up. The help page does not state a default. Paths follow Google's Android help and differ by manufacturer.", "suggested": "Turn usage and diagnostics off.", "why": "The phone stops sending Google details such as battery level, how often apps are used and connection quality. System updates still arrive.", "path": [ "Settings", "Google", "More", "Usage & diagnostics" ], "link": null }, { "id": "advertising-id", "label": "Delete advertising ID", "pattern": "default-capture", "shipped": "Each device has an advertising ID that apps can read for ads until it is deleted. Google's path is from its developer help; on newer phones the Ads screen may sit under Settings, Google, All services.", "suggested": "Delete the advertising ID.", "why": "Apps receive a blank ID instead of one that links the subject's ad activity across apps. Apps can still use their own settings and data.", "path": [ "Settings", "Privacy", "Ads", "Delete advertising ID" ], "link": null }, { "id": "ads-privacy", "label": "Ads privacy", "pattern": "default-capture", "shipped": "Android may offer these features with a notice when they arrive. Ad topics, app-suggested ads and ad measurement each have their own switch.", "suggested": "Turn off Allow ad topics, Allow app-suggested ads and Allow ad measurement.", "why": "Android stops noting interests from app use and sharing them with apps for ads. Google has withdrawn the matching Chrome settings, so this screen may also change or disappear.", "path": [ "Settings", "Google", "All services", "Ads", "Ads privacy" ], "link": null }, { "id": "app-notifications", "label": "App notifications", "pattern": "notification-creep", "shipped": "Depends on each app and on what was allowed when it was installed or first opened.", "suggested": "Turn off notifications for apps that do not need to interrupt.", "why": "Fewer apps can reach the subject at any moment. Messages from those apps wait until the app is opened.", "path": [ "Settings", "Notifications", "App notifications" ], "link": null }, { "id": "notification-dots", "label": "Notification dot on app icon", "pattern": "notification-creep", "shipped": "The help page does not state a default. Settings vary by phone.", "suggested": "Turn notification dots off.", "why": "App icons stop showing a mark for unread items, so the home screen does not call the subject back to an app.", "path": [ "Settings", "Notifications", "Notification dot on app icon" ], "link": null } ] }, { "id": "chrome", "name": "Chrome", "category": "Browsers", "checked": null, "sources": [ "https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95647?hl=en-GB&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop", "https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/13844634?hl=en-GB&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop", "https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/13730681?hl=en-GB&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop", "https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/14746339?hl=en-GB", "https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/3220216?hl=en-GB&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop", "https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/165139?hl=en-GB&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop", "https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/13948160?hl=en-GB", "https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/185277?hl=en-GB&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop" ], "settings": [ { "id": "third-party-cookies", "label": "Block third-party cookies", "pattern": "default-capture", "shipped": "Blocked by default in Incognito. Google Help does not state the default for normal windows, but describes blocking as a choice the subject makes.", "suggested": "Choose Block third-party cookies.", "why": "Embedded ad and tracking services find it harder to follow the subject from site to site. Some sites may need an exception to work.", "path": [ "Settings", "Privacy and security", "Third-party cookies", "Block third-party cookies" ], "link": null }, { "id": "make-searches-better", "label": "Make searches and browsing better", "pattern": "surveillance-as-convenience", "shipped": "The help pages do not state a default. When on, Chrome sends Google the address of each page visited.", "suggested": "Turn Make searches and browsing better off.", "why": "Google stops receiving a list of the pages the subject visits. Address bar suggestions and some security checks become less specific to the subject.", "path": [ "Settings", "You and Google", "Google services", "Make searches and browsing better" ], "link": null }, { "id": "usage-statistics", "label": "Help improve Chrome's features and performance", "pattern": "default-capture", "shipped": "On by default. It can be turned off when Chrome is installed or later.", "suggested": "Turn Help improve Chrome's features and performance off.", "why": "Chrome stops sending Google usage statistics and crash reports about how the subject uses the browser.", "path": [ "Settings", "You and Google", "Google services", "Help improve Chrome's features and performance" ], "link": null }, { "id": "notification-prompts", "label": "Notifications", "pattern": "notification-creep", "shipped": "Sites can ask to send notifications, and Chrome shows a prompt each time one asks.", "suggested": "Choose the option that stops sites asking, or choose Use quieter messaging.", "why": "Sites no longer interrupt browsing with requests to send alerts. Sites the subject wants to hear from can be added to the allowed list.", "path": [ "Settings", "Privacy and security", "Site Settings", "Notifications" ], "link": null }, { "id": "history-sync", "label": "History and tabs", "pattern": "surveillance-as-convenience", "shipped": "Off until the subject signs in to Chrome and turns it on. Signing in to a Google service such as Gmail may prompt the subject to sign in to Chrome.", "suggested": "Leave History and tabs off, or add a passphrase.", "why": "Browsing history stays on the device. If saved to the account with Web & App Activity on, it can shape recommendations in Search and other Google products.", "path": [ "Settings", "You and Google", "Account name", "History and tabs" ], "link": null } ] }, { "id": "safari", "name": "Safari", "category": "Browsers", "checked": null, "sources": [ "https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/iphone/iphb01fc3c85/ios", "https://www.apple.com/legal/privacy/data/en/safari/", "https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/iphone/iph6297b394b/ios", "https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT210698", "https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/safari/sfri35610/mac", "https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/safari/ibrw1075/mac" ], "settings": [ { "id": "cross-site-tracking", "label": "Prevent Cross-Site Tracking", "pattern": "default-capture", "shipped": "On. Safari limits third-party cookies and data by default. On Mac the option sits under Safari, Settings, Privacy.", "suggested": "Leave Prevent Cross-Site Tracking on.", "why": "Tracking data from third parties the subject has not visited is deleted periodically. A few sites that rely on third-party sign-in may need an exception.", "path": [ "Settings", "Apps", "Safari", "Prevent Cross-Site Tracking" ], "link": null }, { "id": "hide-ip-address", "label": "Hide IP Address", "pattern": "surveillance-as-convenience", "shipped": "Hidden from known trackers by default. Hiding it from websites as well needs an iCloud+ subscription and Private Relay, which is not offered in every country.", "suggested": "Keep Trackers Only, or choose Trackers and Websites with iCloud+.", "why": "Trackers, and with iCloud+ websites too, cannot use the subject's IP address to link visits or estimate location closely. Some sites that filter by IP address may ask for it to be shown.", "path": [ "Settings", "Apps", "Safari", "Hide IP Address" ], "link": null }, { "id": "search-suggestions", "label": "Search Engine Suggestions", "pattern": "ambient-nudging", "shipped": "On. What the subject types in the search field is sent to the chosen search engine for suggestions.", "suggested": "Turn Search Engine Suggestions off.", "why": "Half-typed searches stay on the device until the subject presses Go, and the search engine no longer proposes what to look for. Safari Suggestions, a separate switch, also sends typed queries to Apple.", "path": [ "Settings", "Apps", "Safari", "Search Engine Suggestions" ], "link": null }, { "id": "ad-measurement", "label": "Privacy Preserving Ad Measurement", "pattern": "default-capture", "shipped": "On, according to third-party guides. Apple's pages describe how to turn it off. On Mac the option is Allow privacy-preserving measurement of ad effectiveness, under Safari, Settings, Advanced.", "suggested": "Turn Privacy Preserving Ad Measurement off if adverts should not be measured.", "why": "Safari stops sending delayed reports that tell advertisers an advert click led to a purchase. Apple says the reports carry no personal data, so the change is small.", "path": [ "Settings", "Apps", "Safari", "Advanced", "Privacy Preserving Ad Measurement" ], "link": null }, { "id": "fingerprinting-protection", "label": "Use advanced tracking and fingerprinting protection", "pattern": "default-capture", "shipped": "Private Browsing only in earlier versions. Reports say it covers all browsing by default from iOS 26 and macOS 26. Apple's help page does not state the default.", "suggested": "Set it to all browsing.", "why": "Safari strips tracking parameters from links and limits fingerprinting in ordinary windows too. A few sites may behave differently. The path given is for Mac. Apple's help pages give no iPhone path.", "path": [ "Safari", "Settings", "Advanced", "Use advanced tracking and fingerprinting protection" ], "link": null } ] }, { "id": "edge", "name": "Microsoft Edge", "category": "Browsers", "checked": null, "sources": [ "https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/microsoft-edge/learn-about-tracking-prevention-in-microsoft-edge-5ac125e8-9b90-8d59-fa2c-7f2e9a44d869", "https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/edge/microsoft-edge-browsing-activity-for-personalized-advertising-and-experiences", "https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/edge/learn-more-about-diagnostic-data-collection-in-microsoft-edge", "https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/microsoft-edge/microsoft-edge-browsing-data-and-privacy-bb8174ba-9d73-dcf2-9b4a-c582b4e640dd", "https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/edge/shop-with-express-checkout-in-microsoft-edge", "https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/edge/learning-center/how-to-customize-your-browser-tab-pages", "https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/edge/get-help-with-startup-boost", "https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/edge/learning-center/what-is-startup-boost-in-microsoft-edge" ], "settings": [ { "id": "tracking-prevention", "label": "Tracking prevention", "pattern": "default-capture", "shipped": "On at Balanced, which Microsoft marks as recommended. It blocks harmful trackers and trackers from sites the subject has not visited.", "suggested": "Choose Strict.", "why": "Most cross-site trackers are blocked and content and adverts are barely personalised. Some sites may break, for example videos or sign-in, and can be added as exceptions.", "path": [ "Settings and more", "Settings", "Privacy, search, and services", "Tracking prevention" ], "link": null }, { "id": "browsing-activity", "label": "Allow Microsoft to save your browsing activity including history, usage, favorites, web content, and other browsing data to personalize Microsoft Edge and Microsoft services like ads, search, shopping and news", "pattern": "default-capture", "shipped": "Collected only with permission, according to Microsoft. The prompt may appear during set-up or sign-in, and the result depends on what the subject chose then.", "suggested": "Turn this setting off.", "why": "Browsing history, favourites and page content stop being collected to personalise adverts, Bing results, shopping and news. Turning off See ads that interest you in the Microsoft account does not stop this collection.", "path": [ "Settings and more", "Settings", "Privacy, search, and services", "Privacy" ], "link": null }, { "id": "optional-diagnostics", "label": "Send optional diagnostic data to improve Microsoft products", "pattern": "default-capture", "shipped": "On Windows it follows the Windows diagnostic data setting, except in the EEA where Edge has its own switch on recent versions. Microsoft's pages do not state the default.", "suggested": "Turn optional diagnostic data off.", "why": "Edge stops sending feature usage and the addresses and titles of pages visited to Microsoft. Required diagnostic data is still sent.", "path": [ "Settings and more", "Settings", "Privacy, search, and services", "Privacy", "Send optional diagnostic data to improve Microsoft products" ], "link": null }, { "id": "new-tab-feed", "label": "Show feed", "pattern": "algorithmic-substitution", "shipped": "A news feed may show on the new tab page. Layout and availability vary by version, region and account.", "suggested": "Turn Show feed off.", "why": "A new tab opens without headlines and videos chosen for the subject. Topics and layout can be adjusted instead if some of the feed is wanted.", "path": [ "New tab", "Page settings", "Show feed" ], "link": null }, { "id": "shopping", "label": "Save time and money with Shopping in Microsoft Edge", "pattern": "ambient-nudging", "shipped": "Coupons, price comparisons and express checkout may appear automatically on shopping sites.", "suggested": "Turn Shopping off.", "why": "Edge stops prompting with coupons and offers while the subject shops. Automatic coupon checkout is switched off with it.", "path": [ "Settings", "Privacy, search, and services", "Search and connected experiences", "Save time and money with Shopping in Microsoft Edge" ], "link": null }, { "id": "startup-boost", "label": "Startup boost", "pattern": "ambient-nudging", "shipped": "On for most Windows computers with enough memory when Edge is used every few days. Windows only.", "suggested": "Turn Startup boost off.", "why": "Edge no longer runs in the background after the subject closes it or starts the computer. Edge may take a little longer to open.", "path": [ "Settings and more", "Settings", "System and performance", "Startup boost" ], "link": null } ] }, { "id": "google-account", "name": "Google Account", "category": "Accounts and email", "checked": null, "sources": [ "https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/54068?hl=en-GB", "https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/465?hl=en-GB", "https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/17025248?hl=en-GB", "https://support.google.com/maps/answer/6258979?hl=en-GB&co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid", "https://support.google.com/My-Ad-Center-Help/answer/12155656?hl=en-GB", "https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/14202510?hl=en-GB", "https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/14202892?hl=en-GB", "https://blog.google/innovation-and-ai/technology/safety-security/keeping-private-information-private/" ], "settings": [ { "id": "web-app-activity", "label": "Web & App Activity", "pattern": "surveillance-as-convenience", "shipped": "Often on, depending on choices made at sign-up. Sub-settings can add Chrome history and voice and audio activity. Google is gradually moving Search, Maps and other search services to a separate Search Services History setting, so some accounts show different controls.", "suggested": "Turn Web & App Activity off, or untick the Chrome and voice sub-settings.", "why": "Less of what the subject searches, browses and says is saved to the account. Suggestions and results across Google become less personal.", "path": [ "Google Account", "Data & privacy", "History settings", "Web & App Activity" ], "link": "https://myactivity.google.com/activitycontrols" }, { "id": "auto-delete", "label": "Auto-delete", "pattern": "surveillance-as-convenience", "shipped": "A 2020 Google announcement says accounts created since then delete Web & App Activity older than 18 months by default. The current help pages do not repeat this. Older accounts may keep activity until it is deleted by hand.", "suggested": "Set auto-delete to 3 months for each history setting.", "why": "Saved activity is cleared sooner. Features that draw on older history have less to work with.", "path": [ "Google Account", "Data & privacy", "History settings", "Auto-delete" ], "link": null }, { "id": "timeline", "label": "Timeline", "pattern": "surveillance-as-convenience", "shipped": "Off by default. It only runs if the subject opts in, and stays off for users who appear to be under 18. When on, precise location is saved on each signed-in device.", "suggested": "Leave Timeline off, or turn it off if it was switched on.", "why": "Phones stop keeping a regular record of where the subject goes. Other settings, such as Web & App Activity, can still save general location.", "path": [ "Google Maps", "Profile picture", "Your Timeline", "More", "Location and privacy settings", "Timeline" ], "link": null }, { "id": "personalised-ads", "label": "Personalised ads", "pattern": "default-capture", "shipped": "The help pages do not state a default for adult accounts. Off for accounts that show the user is under 18.", "suggested": "Turn personalised ads off.", "why": "Ads on Google services are based on context, such as the page or search, rather than the subject's account activity. Ad topic and brand choices in My Ad Centre are deleted.", "path": [ "My Ad Centre", "Personalised ads" ], "link": "https://myadcenter.google.com/" }, { "id": "partner-activity", "label": "Get personalised ads when you visit sites that partner with Google", "pattern": "default-capture", "shipped": "The help pages do not state a default. When on, account activity can shape ads on the many sites and apps that use Google ad technology.", "suggested": "Turn personalised ads on partner sites off.", "why": "Ads on news, shopping and other partner sites stop drawing on the subject's Google Account. They still appear, based on the page and general factors.", "path": [ "Partner Ad Settings", "Get personalised ads when you visit sites that partner with Google" ], "link": "https://adssettings.google.com/partnerads" }, { "id": "linked-services", "label": "Linked Google services", "pattern": "default-capture", "shipped": "EU only. The subject is asked which services to link. Many other Google services are always linked and cannot be unlinked.", "suggested": "Unlink the services that do not need to share data.", "why": "Search, YouTube, Chrome, Play, Maps, Shopping and ad services share less personal data with each other. Some cross-service features, such as saving places from Search, stop working.", "path": [ "Google Account", "Data & privacy", "Data sharing", "Linked Google services" ], "link": null } ] }, { "id": "gmail", "name": "Gmail", "category": "Accounts and email", "checked": null, "sources": [ "https://support.google.com/mail/answer/10079371?hl=en-GB", "https://support.google.com/mail/answer/145919?hl=en-GB", "https://support.google.com/mail/answer/6585?hl=en-GB&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop", "https://support.google.com/mail/answer/1075549?hl=en-GB&co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid" ], "settings": [ { "id": "smart-features", "label": "Turn on smart features in Gmail, Chat and Meet", "pattern": "default-capture", "shipped": "Off by default in the UK, EEA, Switzerland and Japan. Help pages do not state the default elsewhere.", "suggested": "Leave smart features off, or turn on only the ones wanted.", "why": "Gmail stops using the subject's mail to sort the inbox into tabs, suggest text and replies, and show summary cards. Those features stop working while it is off.", "path": [ "Settings", "See all settings", "General", "Smart features" ], "link": null }, { "id": "workspace-smart-features", "label": "Smart features in Google Workspace", "pattern": "default-capture", "shipped": "Off by default in the UK, EEA, Switzerland and Japan. Help pages do not state the default elsewhere.", "suggested": "Leave Workspace smart features off unless they are wanted.", "why": "Mail and files are not used across Workspace, for example to add flights to Calendar or for Gemini summaries and drafts. Those features are unavailable while it is off.", "path": [ "Settings", "See all settings", "General", "Google Workspace smart features", "Manage Workspace smart feature settings", "Smart features in Google Workspace" ], "link": null }, { "id": "other-products-smart-features", "label": "Smart features in other Google products", "pattern": "default-capture", "shipped": "Off by default in the UK, EEA, Switzerland and Japan. Help pages do not state the default elsewhere.", "suggested": "Leave smart features in other Google products off.", "why": "Mail content stays out of Maps, Wallet and Personal Intelligence in Gemini and Search. Bookings and tickets will not appear there automatically.", "path": [ "Settings", "See all settings", "General", "Google Workspace smart features", "Manage Workspace smart feature settings", "Smart features in other Google products" ], "link": null }, { "id": "external-images", "label": "Ask before displaying external images", "pattern": "surveillance-as-convenience", "shipped": "Images load automatically. Gmail scans and proxies them, but senders may still learn when a message was opened.", "suggested": "Choose Ask before displaying external images.", "why": "Senders using tracking images learn less about when the subject opens mail. Images need a click to appear.", "path": [ "Settings", "See all settings", "General", "Images", "Ask before displaying external images" ], "link": null }, { "id": "nudges", "label": "Nudges", "pattern": "ambient-nudging", "shipped": "Suggestions to reply or follow up may appear at the top of the inbox. Gmail Help does not state the default.", "suggested": "Untick both nudge options.", "why": "Gmail stops choosing which messages to push back to the top. The subject decides what needs a reply.", "path": [ "Settings", "See all settings", "General", "Nudges" ], "link": null }, { "id": "notifications", "label": "Email notifications", "pattern": "notification-creep", "shipped": "On for messages in the Primary tab, in the Android app.", "suggested": "Choose High priority only, or None.", "why": "Fewer messages interrupt the subject. Mail still arrives and waits in the inbox.", "path": [ "Gmail app", "Menu", "Settings", "Account", "Email notifications" ], "link": null } ] }, { "id": "microsoft-account", "name": "Microsoft account and Outlook", "category": "Accounts and email", "checked": null, "sources": [ "https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/accessibility/microsoft-account/use-a-screen-reader-to-manage-ad-settings-in-your-microsoft-account", "https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/privacy/privacystatement", "https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/outlook/about-ads-in-outlook", "https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/outlook/mail/focused-inbox-for-outlook", "https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/accounts-billing/security/view-your-data-on-the-privacy-dashboard", "https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/account-billing/manage-ads-and-promotional-emails-3e4142fb-094d-4a2a-8eda-5596a1ed3cfb" ], "settings": [ { "id": "personalised-ads", "label": "See ads that interest you", "pattern": "default-capture", "shipped": "Microsoft's help pages do not state the default. It may already be on for an adult account.", "suggested": "Turn See ads that interest you off.", "why": "Microsoft stops using account data, including Edge browsing, to choose adverts across signed-in devices. Adverts still appear, and the setting does not stop activity being used for news or search personalisation.", "path": [ "Microsoft account", "Privacy", "Review ad settings", "See ads that interest you" ], "link": "https://account.microsoft.com/privacy/ad-settings" }, { "id": "third-party-ads", "label": "Share my data with third parties for personalized ads", "pattern": "default-capture", "shipped": "Microsoft's help pages do not state the default.", "suggested": "Turn sharing with third parties off.", "why": "Account data is no longer shared with advertising partners to target adverts. Microsoft's own adverts are controlled by the separate setting above.", "path": [ "Microsoft account", "Privacy", "Review ad settings", "Share my data with third parties for personalized ads" ], "link": "https://account.microsoft.com/privacy/third-party-ads" }, { "id": "outlook-ad-preferences", "label": "Advertising Preferences", "pattern": "default-capture", "shipped": "In the UK and EU the subject is asked on first use of free Outlook. In some regions Outlook may also use mail from companies to choose adverts if the subject opts in. Not personalised for under-18s.", "suggested": "Opt out of personalised advertising in Outlook.", "why": "Outlook activity, and any commercial mail the subject agreed to share, stops being used to choose the adverts beside the inbox. Adverts remain in the free version.", "path": [ "Outlook.com", "Settings", "General", "Advertising Preferences" ], "link": null }, { "id": "focused-inbox", "label": "Focused Inbox", "pattern": "algorithmic-substitution", "shipped": "Microsoft's help pages do not state the default. Many mailboxes show it.", "suggested": "Choose Don't sort my messages.", "why": "All mail lands in one inbox in date order, so the subject decides what matters instead of a sorting model. Bulk mail is no longer moved out of sight.", "path": [ "Outlook.com", "Settings", "Mail", "Layout", "Focused Inbox" ], "link": null }, { "id": "activity-data", "label": "Privacy dashboard", "pattern": "surveillance-as-convenience", "shipped": "Search, browsing, location and app activity may be saved to the account depending on settings in Bing, Edge and Windows.", "suggested": "Review the saved activity and clear what is not wanted.", "why": "Less of the subject's search, browsing and location history stays linked to the account. Clearing data does not stop future collection, which is controlled in each product.", "path": [ "Microsoft account", "Privacy" ], "link": "https://account.microsoft.com/privacy" }, { "id": "promotional-email", "label": "Communication preferences", "pattern": "notification-creep", "shipped": "Microsoft's help pages do not state the default. Promotional email may be switched on for some areas.", "suggested": "Untick the promotional areas that are not wanted, for each email address.", "why": "Newsletters and offers from Microsoft stop arriving. Bills, security notices and required service emails still come through.", "path": [ "Microsoft account", "Profile", "Account info", "Communication preferences" ], "link": "https://account.microsoft.com/profile" } ] }, { "id": "whatsapp", "name": "WhatsApp", "category": "Messaging", "checked": null, "sources": [ "https://faq.whatsapp.com/3307102709559968", "https://faq.whatsapp.com/195231088335525", "https://faq.whatsapp.com/general/chats/about-last-seen-and-online/", "https://faq.whatsapp.com/424124173736394", "https://faq.whatsapp.com/480865177351335", "https://faq.whatsapp.com/490592613091019", "https://faq.whatsapp.com/301038450892741", "https://faq.whatsapp.com/715385484388016", "https://faq.whatsapp.com/623460230302218" ], "settings": [ { "id": "read-receipts", "label": "Read receipts", "pattern": "surveillance-as-convenience", "shipped": "On. Anyone the subject chats with can see when a message has been read.", "suggested": "Turn read receipts off.", "why": "Opening a message no longer tells the sender it has been seen. The subject also stops seeing read receipts from others, and group chats and voice message play receipts are not affected.", "path": [ "Settings", "Privacy", "Read receipts" ], "link": null }, { "id": "last-seen-online", "label": "Last seen and online", "pattern": "surveillance-as-convenience", "shipped": "Contacts can see when the subject was last seen. Any user can see when the subject is online.", "suggested": "Set last seen to Nobody or My contacts. Set online to Same as last seen.", "why": "Being on the app stops signalling that the subject is free to reply. Hiding last seen also hides the last seen of others from the subject.", "path": [ "Settings", "Privacy", "Last seen and online" ], "link": null }, { "id": "group-adds", "label": "Groups", "pattern": "notification-creep", "shipped": "Everyone. Any user with the subject's number can add them to a group.", "suggested": "Set Groups to My contacts or My contacts except.", "why": "Strangers can no longer drop the subject into group chats. People outside the chosen list have to send an invite instead.", "path": [ "Settings", "Privacy", "Groups" ], "link": null }, { "id": "live-location", "label": "Live location", "pattern": "surveillance-as-convenience", "shipped": "Off until the subject shares it in a chat. Once shared, it runs for the period chosen.", "suggested": "Check which chats can see your live location and stop any you no longer need.", "why": "The subject's movements stop being sent to those chats. People already sent the location keep a static image of it.", "path": [ "Settings", "Privacy", "Live location" ], "link": null }, { "id": "encrypted-backup", "label": "End-to-end encrypted backup", "pattern": "default-capture", "shipped": "Off. Chat backups to Google Drive or iCloud are not end-to-end encrypted unless the subject turns this on.", "suggested": "Turn on end-to-end encrypted backup, or turn chat backup off.", "why": "Backed-up messages and media can only be read with the subject's password or 64-digit key. If both are lost, the backup cannot be restored.", "path": [ "Settings", "Chats", "Chat backup", "End-to-end encrypted backup" ], "link": null }, { "id": "advanced-chat-privacy", "label": "Advanced chat privacy", "pattern": "default-capture", "shipped": "Off unless someone in the chat turns it on. It is set chat by chat. In a group, start from Group info instead of Contact info.", "suggested": "Turn on advanced chat privacy in chats you want kept inside WhatsApp.", "why": "Others in the chat have fewer ways to take its messages and media out of WhatsApp, such as exporting the chat. It applies to everyone in that chat, not only the subject.", "path": [ "Open the chat", "Contact info", "Advanced chat privacy" ], "link": null } ] }, { "id": "snapchat", "name": "Snapchat", "category": "Messaging", "checked": null, "sources": [ "https://help.snapchat.com/hc/en-us/articles/7012322854932-How-do-I-turn-on-Ghost-Mode", "https://values.snap.com/privacy/privacy-by-product", "https://help.snapchat.com/hc/en-us/articles/7012343074580-How-do-I-change-my-privacy-settings-on-Snapchat", "https://help.snapchat.com/hc/en-us/articles/34691800487316-What-happened-to-Quick-Add", "https://help.snapchat.com/hc/en-us/articles/35382503314580-What-is-Find-Friends", "https://help.snapchat.com/hc/en-us/articles/7012328615828-How-to-Add-Friends-on-Snapchat", "https://help.snapchat.com/hc/en-gb/articles/7012345515796-How-do-I-change-my-advertising-and-interest-preferences-on-Snapchat", "https://help.snapchat.com/hc/en-us/articles/17980426873492-What-does-the-green-dot-in-my-Friends-avatars-mean", "https://help.snapchat.com/hc/en-us/articles/7012316327444-How-do-I-control-my-Snapchat-notifications-on-iOS" ], "settings": [ { "id": "ghost-mode", "label": "Ghost Mode", "pattern": "surveillance-as-convenience", "shipped": "Location sharing on Snap Map is off by default. Once the subject shares it, friends can see their location.", "suggested": "Keep Ghost Mode on, set to Until Turned Off.", "why": "Friends cannot see where the subject is on the Map. Snap still receives the location when the app has permission.", "path": [ "Map", "Map Settings", "Ghost Mode" ], "link": null }, { "id": "find-friends", "label": "See Me in Find Friends", "pattern": "frictionless-onboarding", "shipped": "On, so the account can appear as a suggestion to people with shared contacts or mutual friends. Teens appear in fewer cases. Find Friends was previously called Quick Add.", "suggested": "Turn See Me in Find Friends off.", "why": "The account is no longer offered to people who have the subject's number or share friends. Changes can take up to 72 hours. Snap's help pages give the menu name in slightly different forms.", "path": [ "Settings", "My Privacy and Data", "See Me in Find Friends" ], "link": null }, { "id": "contact-sync", "label": "Contacts", "pattern": "frictionless-onboarding", "shipped": "Contacts are shared when the subject allows contact access, often while finding friends. Turning off the phone permission does not remove contacts already shared.", "suggested": "Remove synced contacts and turn off contact access.", "why": "The subject's address book is no longer held by Snap or used for suggestions. Finding friends means searching by username.", "path": [ "Settings", "Additional Services", "Contacts" ], "link": null }, { "id": "ad-preferences", "label": "Ad Preferences", "pattern": "default-capture", "shipped": "Audience-Based, Activity-Based and Third-Party Ad Networks are offered as opt-outs. The help pages do not state the defaults, or any UK or EU difference.", "suggested": "Turn off Audience-Based, Activity-Based and Third-Party Ad Networks.", "why": "Ads stop drawing on advertiser lists and the subject's activity off Snapchat, and less data goes to outside ad networks. Ads still appear.", "path": [ "Settings", "My Account", "Ad Preferences" ], "link": null }, { "id": "activity-indicator", "label": "Activity Indicator", "pattern": "surveillance-as-convenience", "shipped": "On. A green dot on the subject's avatar shows friends when they were recently active.", "suggested": "Turn Activity Indicator off.", "why": "Friends no longer see that the subject is around and free to reply.", "path": [ "Settings", "My Privacy and Data", "Privacy Choices", "Activity Indicator" ], "link": null } ] }, { "id": "instagram", "name": "Instagram", "category": "Social", "checked": null, "sources": [ "https://help.instagram.com/448523408565555", "https://help.instagram.com/517073653436611", "https://help.instagram.com/1164377657035425", "https://help.instagram.com/546541825361643", "https://help.instagram.com/236691729788553", "https://help.instagram.com/227486307449481", "https://help.instagram.com/2885653514995517", "https://help.instagram.com/426488546963771", "https://help.instagram.com/923021729404927", "https://help.instagram.com/113355287252104", "https://www.facebook.com/help/355489824655936", "https://about.fb.com/news/2025/09/facebook-and-instagram-to-offer-subscription-for-no-ads-in-the-uk/", "https://digital-markets-act.ec.europa.eu/meta-commits-give-eu-users-choice-personalised-ads-under-dma-2025-12-08_en" ], "settings": [ { "id": "private-account", "label": "Private account", "pattern": "default-capture", "shipped": "Public for most adult accounts. Accounts for under-18s start private.", "suggested": "Switch to a private account to approve each follower.", "why": "Only followers the subject approves see their posts, reels and stories. Business accounts must switch to a personal account first.", "path": [ "Settings and activity", "Account privacy", "Private account" ], "link": null }, { "id": "activity-status", "label": "Show activity status", "pattern": "surveillance-as-convenience", "shipped": "Appears to be on. Accounts the subject follows or messages can see when they are, or were recently, active.", "suggested": "Turn activity status off.", "why": "Being on the app no longer announces that the subject is free to reply. The subject stops seeing the activity status of others in return.", "path": [ "Settings and activity", "Messages and story replies", "Show activity status" ], "link": null }, { "id": "live-notices", "label": "Live videos", "pattern": "notification-creep", "shipped": "Alerts for live videos from followed accounts may be switched on.", "suggested": "Turn live video notifications off.", "why": "A broadcast no longer interrupts what the subject is doing. Live videos still appear at the top of the feed.", "path": [ "Settings and activity", "Notifications", "Live and reels", "Live videos" ], "link": null }, { "id": "contact-upload", "label": "Upload contacts", "pattern": "frictionless-onboarding", "shipped": "Off until the subject agrees, but joining and finding people both prompt the subject to connect contacts. Once on, the address book is synced to Meta's servers periodically.", "suggested": "Leave contact uploading off. Turn it off if it is on.", "why": "The subject's address book stays off Meta's servers, and contacts already synced are removed. Instagram's own help pages still describe an older Contacts syncing route, so the menu may differ.", "path": [ "Accounts Center", "Your information and permissions", "Upload contacts" ], "link": null }, { "id": "ad-partners", "label": "Activity information from ad partners", "pattern": "default-capture", "shipped": "On for most accounts that use Instagram free with ads. In the EU and UK the subject is also asked to choose between ads and a paid subscription with no ads, and EU accounts can choose less personalised ads.", "suggested": "Turn off activity information from ad partners. In the EU, consider less personalised ads.", "why": "Ads stop drawing on what the subject does on other websites and apps. Ads still use activity on Meta's own apps, and the choice applies to every account in the same Accounts Center.", "path": [ "Accounts Center", "Ad preferences", "Activity information from ad partners" ], "link": null }, { "id": "like-counts", "label": "Hide like and share counts", "pattern": "quantified-self-trap", "shipped": "Like and share counts show on posts in the feed unless hidden.", "suggested": "Turn on hide like and share counts.", "why": "Posts are seen without a running score. The subject can still see counts on their own posts, and can hide those separately per post.", "path": [ "Settings and activity", "Like and share counts", "Hide like and share counts" ], "link": null } ] }, { "id": "facebook", "name": "Facebook", "category": "Social", "checked": null, "sources": [ "https://www.facebook.com/help/1224342157705160", "https://www.facebook.com/help/287199741901674", "https://www.facebook.com/help/568137493302217", "https://www.facebook.com/help/247395082112892", "https://help.instagram.com/426488546963771", "https://www.facebook.com/help/355489824655936", "https://www.facebook.com/help/1406493312950827", "https://www.facebook.com/help/336801584336688", "https://about.fb.com/news/2025/09/facebook-and-instagram-to-offer-subscription-for-no-ads-in-the-uk/", "https://about.fb.com/news/2024/11/facebook-and-instagram-to-offer-subscription-for-no-ads-in-europe/", "https://digital-markets-act.ec.europa.eu/meta-commits-give-eu-users-choice-personalised-ads-under-dma-2025-12-08_en", "https://about.fb.com/news/2021/11/update-on-use-of-face-recognition/" ], "settings": [ { "id": "off-meta-activity", "label": "Your activity off Meta technologies", "pattern": "default-capture", "shipped": "Connected. Websites and apps that use Meta's business tools send activity that is linked to the subject's account.", "suggested": "Clear previous activity and disconnect future activity.", "why": "Activity from other sites and apps is no longer linked to the subject's account. Meta still receives the data, and apps that use Facebook login may sign the subject out. The menu path comes from secondary guides, as Meta's own page could not be read in full.", "path": [ "Settings and privacy", "Settings", "Accounts Center", "Your information and permissions", "Your activity off Meta technologies", "Manage future activity" ], "link": null }, { "id": "ad-experience", "label": "Ad experience", "pattern": "default-capture", "shipped": "In the UK and EU, adults are asked to choose between Facebook free with ads and a paid subscription with no ads. The free option uses personalised ads unless a less personalised option is chosen. Meta offers that option in the EU, not in the UK, and its EU wording changed in 2026.", "suggested": "In the EU, choose less personalised ads. In the UK, review ad preferences.", "why": "Less personalised ads rely on what the subject sees in a session and a few basic details such as age and location, rather than their wider activity. Ads may be less relevant to the subject.", "path": [ "Settings and privacy", "Settings", "Accounts Center", "Ad preferences", "Ad experience" ], "link": null }, { "id": "contact-upload", "label": "Continuous contacts upload", "pattern": "frictionless-onboarding", "shipped": "Off until the subject agrees, but the app prompts for it. Once on, new phone contacts are uploaded each time the subject logs in.", "suggested": "Turn continuous contacts upload off.", "why": "The subject's address book stops flowing to Meta. Messenger has its own contact upload setting, and each phone or tablet must be changed separately.", "path": [ "Menu", "Settings and privacy", "Settings", "Accounts Center", "Your information and permissions", "Upload contacts", "Continuous contacts upload" ], "link": null }, { "id": "autoplay", "label": "Autoplay", "pattern": "algorithmic-substitution", "shipped": "Videos in the feed may start playing on their own. The default is not stated in Meta's help pages.", "suggested": "Set autoplay to Never autoplay videos.", "why": "A video plays only when the subject taps it. On the website the setting sits under Settings, Videos, Auto-Play Videos instead.", "path": [ "Menu", "Settings and privacy", "Settings", "Media", "Autoplay" ], "link": null }, { "id": "default-audience", "label": "Who can see your future posts?", "pattern": "ambient-nudging", "shipped": "Depends on the account and on earlier choices. The sources do not give one default.", "suggested": "Set the default audience to Friends or narrower.", "why": "New posts reach the people the subject meant them for unless changed on the post itself. Public posts can be seen by people who are not on Facebook.", "path": [ "Settings and privacy", "Settings", "Audience and visibility", "Posts", "Who can see your future posts?" ], "link": null } ] }, { "id": "threads", "name": "Threads", "category": "Social", "checked": null, "sources": [ "https://help.instagram.com/225222310104065", "https://help.instagram.com/756440792648838", "https://help.instagram.com/1207185479989246", "https://help.instagram.com/757869952768933", "https://help.instagram.com/760878905943039", "https://help.instagram.com/169559812696339", "https://www.threads.com/@threads/post/DC2aQA3xAxH", "https://www.threads.com/@threads/post/DC2aPniRp3V", "https://www.threads.com/@threads/post/CzmgoWiOYo9" ], "settings": [ { "id": "private-profile", "label": "Private profile", "pattern": "default-capture", "shipped": "Public for adults, even when their Instagram account is private. Under-16s, or under-18s in some countries, start private.", "suggested": "Switch to a private profile to approve each follower.", "why": "Only approved followers can see and reply to the subject's posts. A private profile cannot share to the fediverse or be suggested on other apps.", "path": [ "Settings", "Privacy", "Private profile" ], "link": null }, { "id": "mentions", "label": "Mentions", "pattern": "notification-creep", "shipped": "Anyone may be able to mention the subject. The default is not stated in Meta's help pages.", "suggested": "Limit mentions to Profiles you follow, or No one.", "why": "Strangers can no longer pull the subject into their posts and conversations. People the subject does not follow cannot tag them.", "path": [ "Settings", "Privacy", "Mentions" ], "link": null }, { "id": "suggested-other-apps", "label": "Suggesting posts on other apps", "pattern": "ambient-nudging", "shipped": "On for public profiles. Posts may be suggested to people on Facebook and Instagram.", "suggested": "Turn suggestions off for Facebook and Instagram.", "why": "The subject's posts stay on Threads unless someone looks for them. Fewer new people may find the profile.", "path": [ "Settings", "Privacy", "Suggesting posts on other apps" ], "link": null }, { "id": "fediverse-sharing", "label": "Fediverse sharing", "pattern": "default-capture", "shipped": "Off. Only adults with public profiles can turn it on.", "suggested": "Leave fediverse sharing off unless you want posts on other servers.", "why": "Posts stay on Threads. Once shared, copies held on other fediverse servers are outside Meta's control and may not be deleted when the subject deletes them.", "path": [ "Settings", "Account", "Fediverse sharing" ], "link": null } ] }, { "id": "tiktok", "name": "TikTok", "category": "Social", "checked": null, "sources": [ "https://support.tiktok.com/en/account-and-privacy/account-privacy-settings/making-your-account-public-or-private", "https://support.tiktok.com/en/account-and-privacy/account-privacy-settings/privacy-and-safety-settings-for-users-under-age-18", "https://support.tiktok.com/en/account-and-privacy/account-privacy-settings/suggested-accounts", "https://support.tiktok.com/en/using-tiktok/exploring-videos/friends-tab", "https://support.tiktok.com/en/account-and-privacy/personalized-ads-and-data/how-your-ads-are-personalized", "https://www.tiktok.com/privacy/ads-and-your-data/en", "https://www.tiktok.com/legal/page/global/changes-to-personalised-advertising-in-the-eea/en", "https://support.tiktok.com/en/account-and-privacy/account-information/screen-time", "https://www.tiktok.com/support/faq_detail?id=7543604790358448646", "https://support.tiktok.com/en/account-and-privacy/account-privacy-settings/activity-status-on-tiktok" ], "settings": [ { "id": "private-account", "label": "Private account", "pattern": "default-capture", "shipped": "Private by default for accounts aged 13 to 17. Adult accounts may be public unless changed.", "suggested": "Turn Private account on to approve each follower.", "why": "Only followers the subject approves can see their videos. Some features for public accounts stop working.", "path": [ "Profile", "Menu", "Settings and privacy", "Privacy", "Private account" ], "link": null }, { "id": "suggest-account", "label": "Suggest your account to others", "pattern": "frictionless-onboarding", "shipped": "On by default for accounts aged 18 and over. Off by default for ages 13 to 15. The account can be suggested to contacts, Facebook friends and people who open or send links.", "suggested": "Turn off each way the account is suggested.", "why": "People who hold the subject's phone number or email, or share links with them, are no longer shown the account as a suggestion. Friends may find the subject less easily.", "path": [ "Profile", "Menu", "Settings and privacy", "Privacy", "Suggest your account to others" ], "link": null }, { "id": "sync-contacts", "label": "Sync contacts and Facebook friends", "pattern": "frictionless-onboarding", "shipped": "Off until the subject chooses to sync. The app may ask for contacts when finding friends.", "suggested": "Leave syncing off. Remove any contacts already synced.", "why": "The subject's address book and Facebook friends list stay out of TikTok's suggestions. Finding friends means searching by hand.", "path": [ "Profile", "Menu", "Settings and privacy", "Privacy", "Sync contacts and Facebook friends" ], "link": null }, { "id": "personalised-ads", "label": "Personalized ads", "pattern": "default-capture", "shipped": "Differs by region. In the EEA, UK and Switzerland, ads use on-TikTok activity, and off-TikTok activity from partners only with consent. Elsewhere, partner data is used unless switched off. Under 18s in the EEA and UK must consent.", "suggested": "Turn personalised ads off, and clear any off-TikTok activity.", "why": "Ads stop drawing on what the subject does on TikTok and on partner sites and apps. Ads still appear and may be less relevant.", "path": [ "Profile", "Menu", "Settings and privacy", "Ads" ], "link": null }, { "id": "daily-screen-time", "label": "Daily screen time", "pattern": "ambient-nudging", "shipped": "Set to one hour for accounts aged 13 to 17. Off for adult accounts.", "suggested": "Turn on a daily screen time limit that suits.", "why": "The app asks for a passcode or a choice once the subject reaches the limit. The feed otherwise has no natural end.", "path": [ "Profile", "Menu", "Settings and privacy", "Time and well-being", "Screen time", "Daily screen time" ], "link": null }, { "id": "push-notifications", "label": "Push notifications", "pattern": "notification-creep", "shipped": "Many notification types are on, including likes, comments and video suggestions. For ages 13 to 15, push notifications are muted from 9pm to 8am and this cannot be changed. For ages 16 and 17, they are muted from 10pm.", "suggested": "Turn off notifications that are not wanted. Set a push notification schedule.", "why": "Suggestions and activity no longer pull the subject back into the app. Messages the subject cares about can stay on.", "path": [ "Profile", "Menu", "Settings and privacy", "Notifications" ], "link": null } ] }, { "id": "x", "name": "X", "category": "Social", "checked": null, "sources": [ "https://help.x.com/en/using-x/about-grok", "https://help.x.com/en/personalization-data-settings", "https://help.x.com/en/safety-and-security/data-through-partnerships", "https://help.x.com/en/rules-and-policies/data-processing-legal-bases", "https://help.x.com/en/safety-and-security/email-and-phone-discoverability-settings", "https://help.x.com/en/using-x/upload-your-contacts-to-search-for-friends", "https://help.x.com/en/managing-your-account/phone-number-faqs", "https://help.x.com/en/managing-your-account/notifications-on-mobile-devices" ], "settings": [ { "id": "personalised-ads", "label": "Personalized ads", "pattern": "default-capture", "shipped": "In the EU, EFTA states and the UK, X says personalised ads rely on consent. Elsewhere the setting is likely on unless changed. Sources do not state the default for new accounts.", "suggested": "Turn personalised ads off.", "why": "Ads stop drawing on the subject's visits to advertisers' sites and apps. Ads still appear.", "path": [ "Settings and privacy", "Privacy and safety", "Ads preferences", "Personalized ads" ], "link": null }, { "id": "partner-sharing", "label": "Allow additional information sharing with business partners", "pattern": "default-capture", "shipped": "In the EU, EFTA states and the UK, this must be enabled before X shares non-public personal data with these partners. Elsewhere it may be on. Sources do not give the default.", "suggested": "Turn additional information sharing off.", "why": "X stops sharing non-public data such as identifiers with the business partners the setting covers. Other data sharing described in X's policies is not affected.", "path": [ "Settings and privacy", "Privacy and safety", "Personalization and data", "Allow additional information sharing with business partners" ], "link": null }, { "id": "grok-training", "label": "Data Sharing", "pattern": "default-capture", "shipped": "Reported to be on by default since late 2024. X committed not to train Grok on public posts of EU and EEA users. Sources do not say whether the toggle is shown on or off in the UK and EU.", "suggested": "Untick the option that allows public data and Grok interactions to be used for training.", "why": "The subject's public posts and Grok conversations are no longer offered to xAI for training. Data already used may remain in models. X's own help pages name the menu headings differently, so the path may not match exactly.", "path": [ "Settings and privacy", "Privacy and safety", "Data sharing and personalization", "Grok & Third-party Collaborators", "Data Sharing" ], "link": null }, { "id": "discoverability", "label": "Let others find you by your phone number", "pattern": "surveillance-as-convenience", "shipped": "On by default for phone number. Email discoverability may also be on.", "suggested": "Turn off discovery by phone number and by email.", "why": "People who hold the subject's number or email in uploaded contacts are no longer led to the account. The account may also stop appearing as a suggestion to them.", "path": [ "Settings and privacy", "Privacy and safety", "Discoverability and contacts" ], "link": null }, { "id": "contact-sync", "label": "Sync address book contacts", "pattern": "frictionless-onboarding", "shipped": "Off until the subject agrees. Once on, the address book uploads on an ongoing basis.", "suggested": "Leave syncing off. Remove all contacts already uploaded.", "why": "The subject's address book stays on the device and is not used for suggestions. Finding people means searching for them.", "path": [ "Settings and privacy", "Privacy and safety", "Discoverability and contacts", "Sync address book contacts" ], "link": null }, { "id": "push-notifications", "label": "Push notifications", "pattern": "notification-creep", "shipped": "Several types are on, including recommendations, topics and news. Defaults are not set out in the help pages.", "suggested": "Turn off notification types that are not wanted, such as recommendations and news.", "why": "Posts picked by X no longer interrupt the subject. Replies and messages can stay on.", "path": [ "Settings and privacy", "Notifications", "Preferences", "Push notifications" ], "link": null } ] }, { "id": "reddit", "name": "Reddit", "category": "Social", "checked": null, "sources": [ "https://support.reddithelp.com/hc/en-us/articles/12731820767764-Control-the-ads-you-see-on-Reddit", "https://support.reddithelp.com/hc/en-us/articles/43980704794004-Controlling-ads-off-Reddit", "https://support.reddithelp.com/hc/en-us/articles/4402284777364-What-are-home-feed-recommendations", "https://support.reddithelp.com/hc/en-us/articles/38312409545492-Accessibility-Guides-Reduce-Motion-Autoplay", "https://support.reddithelp.com/hc/en-us/articles/360043033972-How-do-I-turn-off-trending-notifications", "https://support.reddithelp.com/hc/en-us/articles/360043478211-How-do-I-opt-out-of-the-Reddit-Daily-Digest-emails", "https://support.reddithelp.com/hc/en-us/articles/360061032831-How-do-I-view-NSFW-communities" ], "settings": [ { "id": "personalised-ads", "label": "Ads personalization", "pattern": "default-capture", "shipped": "Ads draw on Reddit activity and on information advertising partners share. The choice to stop using Reddit activity exists only in some countries. Reddit does not list which.", "suggested": "Turn off ads personalisation based on partner information, and on Reddit activity where offered.", "why": "Ads stop drawing on what advertisers report about the subject's visits to their sites and apps. Ads still use the current session, joined communities and account details.", "path": [ "Settings", "Privacy", "Ads personalization" ], "link": null }, { "id": "home-feed-recommendations", "label": "Show recommendations in home feed", "pattern": "algorithmic-substitution", "shipped": "On. The home feed includes posts from communities the subject has not joined.", "suggested": "Turn home feed recommendations off.", "why": "The home feed shows posts from communities the subject joined, so fewer posts may appear. On iOS and Android the toggle is called Enable home feed recommendations.", "path": [ "Settings", "Preferences", "Show recommendations in home feed" ], "link": null }, { "id": "autoplay", "label": "Autoplay media", "pattern": "algorithmic-substitution", "shipped": "Videos and GIFs may start playing as the subject scrolls. Defaults are not stated in the help pages.", "suggested": "Turn autoplay off.", "why": "Video plays only when the subject taps it. In the app the setting is Autoplay Video Previews, under Media & animations, with Always, Only on Wi-Fi and Never.", "path": [ "Settings", "Preferences", "Autoplay media" ], "link": null }, { "id": "trending-notifications", "label": "Trending posts", "pattern": "notification-creep", "shipped": "Notifications about popular posts from recently visited communities may be on.", "suggested": "Turn trending post notifications off.", "why": "Popular posts picked by Reddit no longer interrupt the subject. Replies and messages can stay on.", "path": [ "Settings", "Notifications", "Recommendations", "Trending posts" ], "link": null }, { "id": "daily-digest", "label": "Daily Digest", "pattern": "notification-creep", "shipped": "Accounts may receive a daily email of new and trending posts.", "suggested": "Turn the Daily Digest off.", "why": "The inbox no longer carries a daily prompt to return to Reddit.", "path": [ "Settings", "Emails", "Newsletters", "Daily Digest" ], "link": null } ] }, { "id": "pinterest", "name": "Pinterest", "category": "Social", "checked": null, "sources": [ "https://help.pinterest.com/en/article/edit-personalization-settings", "https://help.pinterest.com/en/article/personalization-and-data", "https://help.pinterest.com/en/article/teen-safety-options", "https://help.pinterest.com/en/article/manage-genai-settings", "https://help.pinterest.com/en/article/update-your-search-privacy", "https://help.pinterest.com/en/article/edit-notification-settings", "https://help.pinterest.com/en/article/video-on-pinterest" ], "settings": [ { "id": "partner-info", "label": "Use of partner info", "pattern": "default-capture", "shipped": "Advertising partners may pass Pinterest information about off-Pinterest activity. In the EEA, UK and Switzerland, and for under 16s, data is not shared with these partners. Under 18s in the EU and UK are opted out of all ads personalisation.", "suggested": "Turn Use of partner info off.", "why": "Ads stop drawing on what partners report about the subject's activity elsewhere. Ads still appear.", "path": [ "Settings", "Privacy and data", "Use of partner info" ], "link": null }, { "id": "sites-you-visit", "label": "Use info from sites you visit", "pattern": "default-capture", "shipped": "Pinterest may use data from other sites and apps that carry its widgets or browser extension. Defaults are not stated in the help pages.", "suggested": "Turn Use info from sites you visit off.", "why": "Browsing on other sites stops shaping the ads the subject sees on Pinterest.", "path": [ "Settings", "Privacy and data", "Use info from sites you visit" ], "link": null }, { "id": "genai-training", "label": "Use your data to train Pinterest Canvas", "pattern": "default-capture", "shipped": "Appears to be on for adult accounts. Under 18s are opted out and cannot opt in.", "suggested": "Turn off training of Pinterest Canvas on your data.", "why": "Pins the subject saves or uploads are no longer used to improve Pinterest's image generation model.", "path": [ "Settings", "Privacy and data", "Use your data to train Pinterest Canvas" ], "link": null }, { "id": "search-privacy", "label": "Search privacy", "pattern": "default-capture", "shipped": "Off for public adult profiles, so search engines may list the profile and boards. On automatically for private profiles. Teen profiles are private by default.", "suggested": "Turn Search privacy on.", "why": "Search engines are asked not to list the subject's profile and boards. Pages already indexed may take time to drop out.", "path": [ "Settings", "Profile visibility", "Search privacy" ], "link": null }, { "id": "pin-picks-notifications", "label": "Pin picks", "pattern": "notification-creep", "shipped": "Push and email notifications for Pins picked for the subject may be on. Defaults are not listed in the help pages.", "suggested": "Turn Pin picks off for push and email.", "why": "Pins chosen by Pinterest stop arriving as prompts. Social notifications can stay on.", "path": [ "Settings", "Notifications", "Pin picks" ], "link": null }, { "id": "autoplay", "label": "Autoplay videos", "pattern": "algorithmic-substitution", "shipped": "Videos may play automatically. Defaults are not stated in the help pages.", "suggested": "Turn autoplay off.", "why": "Video plays only when the subject chooses it. On desktop the toggle is Autoplay videos on desktop. In the app it is Autoplay videos on cellular data.", "path": [ "Settings", "Social permissions", "Autoplay videos" ], "link": null } ] }, { "id": "youtube", "name": "YouTube", "category": "Video and music", "checked": null, "sources": [ "https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/6327615?hl=en-GB", "https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/95725?hl=en-GB", "https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/3382248?hl=en-GB&co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid", "https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/7280190?hl=en-GB", "https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/9012523?hl=en-GB&co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid", "https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/16671528?hl=en-GB", "https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/465?hl=en-GB", "https://blog.google/innovation-and-ai/technology/safety-security/keeping-private-information-private/" ], "settings": [ { "id": "autoplay", "label": "Auto-play", "pattern": "algorithmic-substitution", "shipped": "On for adult accounts. Off by default for users aged 13 to 17.", "suggested": "Turn auto-play off.", "why": "Another video plays only when the subject picks one. On a computer the same switch sits at the bottom of the video player. YouTube Help spells it Auto-play, and the app may show Autoplay.", "path": [ "Profile picture", "Settings", "Auto-play" ], "link": null }, { "id": "history", "label": "YouTube History", "pattern": "surveillance-as-convenience", "shipped": "On for most accounts unless paused at sign-up. It can include watched videos and searches. A 2020 Google announcement says accounts created since then delete history older than 36 months by default. The current help pages do not repeat this.", "suggested": "Pause YouTube History, or set a shorter auto-delete period.", "why": "Viewing and searches leave less of a record on the account. Recommendations on the home page become less personal, and past videos are harder to find again.", "path": [ "Google Account", "Data & privacy", "History settings", "YouTube History" ], "link": "https://myactivity.google.com/product/youtube" }, { "id": "recommendation-notices", "label": "Recommended videos", "pattern": "notification-creep", "shipped": "Recommendations from channels the subject does not subscribe to can arrive as notifications. YouTube Help does not state the default.", "suggested": "Turn notifications for recommended videos off.", "why": "The subject looks for something to watch when they decide to, not when prompted.", "path": [ "Profile picture", "Settings", "Notifications", "Recommended videos" ], "link": "https://www.youtube.com/account_notifications" }, { "id": "subscriptions-private", "label": "Keep all my subscriptions private", "pattern": "default-capture", "shipped": "Private by default, according to YouTube Help. Earlier choices on the account may have changed this.", "suggested": "Keep subscriptions private if they are not meant to be seen.", "why": "The subject decides whether others can see which channels they follow.", "path": [ "Profile picture", "Settings", "Privacy", "Keep all my subscriptions private" ], "link": "https://www.youtube.com/account_privacy" }, { "id": "take-a-break", "label": "Remind me to take a break", "pattern": "algorithmic-substitution", "shipped": "Off for users aged 18 and over. On by default for users aged 13 to 17.", "suggested": "Turn the break reminder on and pick a frequency.", "why": "Playback pauses at the chosen interval, so a long session has a natural stopping point. The reminder can be dismissed.", "path": [ "Profile picture", "Settings", "General", "Remind me to take a break" ], "link": null }, { "id": "shorts-feed-limit", "label": "Shorts feed limit", "pattern": "algorithmic-substitution", "shipped": "No limit is set unless the subject chooses one. Available in the mobile app.", "suggested": "Set a daily Shorts feed limit, or set it to zero.", "why": "A message appears when the chosen time in the Shorts feed is used up. The subject can dismiss it and carry on. YouTube Help places this and the break reminder under different menus, so the path may differ.", "path": [ "You", "Settings", "Time management", "Shorts feed limit" ], "link": null } ] }, { "id": "netflix", "name": "Netflix", "category": "Video and music", "checked": null, "sources": [ "https://help.netflix.com/en/node/121518", "https://help.netflix.com/en/node/2102", "https://help.netflix.com/en/node/22205", "https://help.netflix.com/en/node/25", "https://help.netflix.com/en/node/64175", "https://help.netflix.com/en/node/100637" ], "settings": [ { "id": "autoplay-next-episode", "label": "Autoplay Next Episode", "pattern": "algorithmic-substitution", "shipped": "Help pages do not state the default. The next episode plays automatically unless the setting has been turned off. Set per profile.", "suggested": "Turn Autoplay Next Episode off for each profile.", "why": "Each episode ends with a choice rather than a countdown. The subject decides whether to keep watching.", "path": [ "Account", "Profiles", "Choose a profile", "Playback settings", "Autoplay Next Episode" ], "link": "https://www.netflix.com/settings/playback" }, { "id": "autoplay-previews", "label": "Autoplay previews", "pattern": "ambient-nudging", "shipped": "Help pages do not state the default. Previews play while browsing unless turned off. Set per profile. iPads and some older TVs do not play previews.", "suggested": "Turn Autoplay previews off for each profile.", "why": "Browsing becomes quieter. Titles are chosen from a still screen rather than from clips that start on their own.", "path": [ "Account", "Profiles", "Choose a profile", "Playback settings", "Autoplay previews" ], "link": "https://www.netflix.com/settings/playback" }, { "id": "viewing-activity", "label": "Viewing activity", "pattern": "surveillance-as-convenience", "shipped": "Every title watched is recorded for each profile and used for recommendations.", "suggested": "Hide titles that should not shape recommendations.", "why": "Hidden titles stop being used for recommendations unless watched again. Removal can take up to 24 hours to reach every device.", "path": [ "Account", "Profiles", "Choose a profile", "Viewing activity" ], "link": null }, { "id": "marketing-emails", "label": "Manage Emails", "pattern": "notification-creep", "shipped": "Help pages do not state which categories start on. Categories include recommendations, membership offers, surveys, games and the shop. Push notifications are controlled separately.", "suggested": "Turn off the email categories that are not wanted, for each profile.", "why": "Netflix stops writing to suggest more viewing. Account, billing and security messages still arrive.", "path": [ "Account", "Profiles", "Choose a profile", "Notification settings", "Manage Emails" ], "link": null }, { "id": "behavioral-advertising", "label": "Behavioral Advertising", "pattern": "default-capture", "shipped": "Offered on ad-supported plans and live events with adverts. Help pages do not state the default. Not offered on Kids profiles.", "suggested": "Opt out of behavioural advertising for each profile.", "why": "Adverts stop being chosen from the subject's activity on other websites and apps over time. Adverts still appear on ad-supported plans.", "path": [ "Account", "Privacy and data settings", "Choose a profile", "Behavioral Advertising" ], "link": null } ] }, { "id": "spotify", "name": "Spotify", "category": "Video and music", "checked": null, "sources": [ "https://support.spotify.com/uk/article/autoplay/", "https://support.spotify.com/uk/article/privacy-and-social-controls/", "https://support.spotify.com/uk/article/listening-activity/", "https://support.spotify.com/uk/article/data-rights-and-privacy-settings/", "https://support.spotify.com/uk/article/notification-settings/", "https://support.spotify.com/us/article/private-listening/" ], "settings": [ { "id": "autoplay", "label": "Autoplay", "pattern": "algorithmic-substitution", "shipped": "Similar songs play when an album, playlist or selection ends. The help page describes this as the normal behaviour. It is set per device.", "suggested": "Turn autoplay off on each device in use.", "why": "The end of an album or playlist becomes a stopping point the subject can notice. Spotify stops choosing what comes next.", "path": [ "Profile picture", "Settings and privacy", "Playback", "Autoplay" ], "link": null }, { "id": "listening-activity", "label": "Listening activity", "pattern": "surveillance-as-convenience", "shipped": "Sources conflict. The privacy and social controls page says on for adults and off for under 18s. The listening activity page says off by default. On desktop the label is Share my listening activity on Spotify.", "suggested": "Turn listening activity off, or limit who can see it.", "why": "What the subject plays stops appearing in followers' Friend Activity feed. A private session does the same for up to six hours at a time.", "path": [ "Profile picture", "Settings and privacy", "Privacy and social", "Listening activity" ], "link": null }, { "id": "recently-played-artists", "label": "Recently played artists", "pattern": "surveillance-as-convenience", "shipped": "On for adults. Off for under 18s. On desktop the label is Show my recently played artists on my public profile.", "suggested": "Turn recently played artists off.", "why": "The public profile stops showing a running summary of what the subject has been listening to.", "path": [ "Profile picture", "Settings and privacy", "Privacy and social", "Recently played artists" ], "link": null }, { "id": "marketing", "label": "Notification settings", "pattern": "notification-creep", "shipped": "Help pages say all categories are opted in by email and on mobile. These cover product news, news and offers, music recommendations, new music, playlist updates, concerts and artist updates.", "suggested": "Keep only the notifications that are wanted, on each channel.", "why": "New music can be looked for without each release asking for attention. Security and account emails cannot be turned off.", "path": [ "Account", "Notification settings" ], "link": "https://www.spotify.com/account/notifications/" }, { "id": "tailored-ads", "label": "Tailored ads", "pattern": "default-capture", "shipped": "Opted in for Free accounts. Third-party data may be used to choose which adverts play.", "suggested": "Turn \"Tailored ads\" off if that information should not be used.", "why": "This limits one use of account and third-party information. The number of adverts stays the same and they may be less relevant. The help page describes the control without quoting its label.", "path": [ "Account", "Account privacy", "Tailored ads" ], "link": "https://www.spotify.com/account/privacy/" } ] }, { "id": "amazon", "name": "Amazon", "category": "Shopping", "checked": null, "sources": [ "https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=GXPNZSZPM3UPM2VA", "https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=G64JFZVFDY66XG9K", "https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=GJAW9SFGM8XTS89H", "https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=GU224Z5TL5RBQTJA", "https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=GDZ8ZNZDSTL6ZYCP", "https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=GVSMLJAYMSUTJF2S", "https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=GVP69FUJ48X9DK8V", "https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=GTJQ7QZY7QL2HK4Y", "https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=G34EUPKVMYFW8N2U" ], "settings": [ { "id": "browsing-history", "label": "Browsing History", "pattern": "surveillance-as-convenience", "shipped": "On. Items viewed and recent searches are kept and used to personalise content.", "suggested": "Turn Browsing History off.", "why": "New items viewed and recent searches stop being stored on the history page, and Amazon stops using them to personalise content. Recommendations may become less specific.", "path": [ "Browsing History", "Settings symbol", "More settings", "Browsing History" ], "link": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/history" }, { "id": "personalised-ads", "label": "Advertising Preferences", "pattern": "default-capture", "shipped": "Personalised ads are shown on Amazon and on other sites, using shopping activity and information from third parties. Cookie consent is managed separately.", "suggested": "Opt out of personalised ads and delete advertising data.", "why": "Adverts stop being chosen from the subject's interests. Adverts still appear. The choice may apply only to the browser or device in use.", "path": [ "Advertising Preferences" ], "link": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/adprefs" }, { "id": "marketing-emails", "label": "Communications Preference Center", "pattern": "notification-creep", "shipped": "Promotional emails and marketing by post are sent unless turned off. Other subscription emails are listed separately.", "suggested": "Choose not to receive marketing email or post.", "why": "Offers stop arriving unasked. Order and account messages continue. Changes can take a few days to apply.", "path": [ "Communications Preference Center", "Promotional Emails", "Do not send me any marketing email for now" ], "link": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/cpc/homepage" }, { "id": "buy-now", "label": "Your Purchase Preferences", "pattern": "ambient-nudging", "shipped": "After the first order paid by card, that card becomes the default Buy Now payment. The same preference applies to Alexa, Kindle and other single-click digital purchases.", "suggested": "Review the default payment method and address used for Buy Now.", "why": "The subject knows which card and address a single click will use. The help pages describe changing these defaults, not removing Buy Now.", "path": [ "Your Purchase Preferences" ], "link": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/cpe/yourpayments/settings/manageoneclick" }, { "id": "alexa-voice-recordings", "label": "Manage Your Alexa Data", "pattern": "surveillance-as-convenience", "shipped": "Help pages do not state the default. Recordings and transcripts are kept until deleted unless automatic deletion after 3 or 18 months, or not saving recordings, is chosen.", "suggested": "Choose automatic deletion, or choose not to save voice recordings.", "why": "Fewer recordings of the subject's voice are held. Voice ID stops working if recordings are not saved, and transcripts are still kept for 30 days.", "path": [ "Alexa app", "More", "Alexa Privacy", "Manage Your Alexa Data" ], "link": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/alexaprivacysettings" }, { "id": "prime-renewal", "label": "Your Amazon Prime Membership", "pattern": "exit-barriers", "shipped": "Free trials convert and memberships renew automatically. If the main card fails, other cards on file are charged.", "suggested": "Check the renewal date. Cancel before it if Prime is no longer wanted.", "why": "Cancelling takes several screens and ends with instructions on the page. Memberships started in the Android app are cancelled through Google instead.", "path": [ "Your Amazon Prime Membership", "Manage", "Update, Cancel and More" ], "link": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/subs/primeclub/account/homepage.html" } ] }, { "id": "linkedin", "name": "LinkedIn", "category": "Work", "checked": null, "sources": [ "https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/answer/a529062", "https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/answer/a553076", "https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/answer/a567226", "https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/answer/a1338882", "https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/answer/a1342443", "https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/answer/a5538339", "https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/answer/a8059228", "https://tuta.com/blog/linkedin-ai-user-data", "https://proton.me/blog/linkedin-ai-training" ], "settings": [ { "id": "profile-updates", "label": "Share profile updates with your network", "pattern": "ambient-nudging", "shipped": "Help pages do not state the default. When on, job changes, education changes and work anniversaries can be announced to the subject's network.", "suggested": "Turn sharing off before making changes that should not be announced.", "why": "Editing a profile need not prompt others to react. Some edits never generate an announcement either way.", "path": [ "Me", "Settings & Privacy", "Visibility", "Visibility of your LinkedIn activity", "Share profile updates with your network" ], "link": "https://www.linkedin.com/mypreferences/d/visibility" }, { "id": "active-status", "label": "Manage active status", "pattern": "surveillance-as-convenience", "shipped": "Help pages do not state the default. Options are Your Connections only, All LinkedIn members, and No one.", "suggested": "Choose No one if availability should not be shown.", "why": "The subject can read or work without signalling readiness for a conversation. With No one chosen, the subject also stops seeing when connections are active.", "path": [ "Me", "Settings & Privacy", "Visibility", "Visibility of your LinkedIn activity", "Manage active status" ], "link": "https://www.linkedin.com/mypreferences/d/visibility" }, { "id": "profile-viewing", "label": "Visibility when viewing other profiles", "pattern": "surveillance-as-convenience", "shipped": "Help pages do not state the default. Options are Your name and headline, Private profile characteristics, and Private mode.", "suggested": "Choose Private mode if profile visits should not be reported.", "why": "People whose profiles the subject looks at stop being told who visited. On a free account, private mode also hides the subject's own list of viewers.", "path": [ "Me", "Settings & Privacy", "Visibility", "Visibility of your profile & network", "Visibility when viewing other profiles" ], "link": null }, { "id": "notifications", "label": "Notifications", "pattern": "notification-creep", "shipped": "Updates may arrive by email, by push notification and inside the service, across many categories.", "suggested": "Review each category. Keep only the channels that are needed.", "why": "Updates about work need not follow the subject through every channel.", "path": [ "Me", "Settings & Privacy", "Notifications" ], "link": "https://www.linkedin.com/mypreferences/d/notifications" }, { "id": "ad-data", "label": "Advertising data", "pattern": "default-capture", "shipped": "Help pages do not state defaults. Settings cover profile data, activity and inferred data, and data from outside LinkedIn, including sharing with affiliates.", "suggested": "Review each category. Turn off the uses that are not wanted.", "why": "Presenting work can be kept separate from having it used to select adverts. Adverts still appear, and changes take around 72 hours.", "path": [ "Me", "Settings & Privacy", "Advertising data" ], "link": "https://www.linkedin.com/mypreferences/d/ads" }, { "id": "generative-ai-data", "label": "Data for Generative AI Improvement", "pattern": "default-capture", "shipped": "On by default. From 3 November 2025 this covers members in the UK, EU, EEA and Switzerland, on a legitimate interest basis. Members who appear to be under 18 are excluded.", "suggested": "Turn Data for Generative AI Improvement off.", "why": "Profile details and posts stop being used to train content-generating models at LinkedIn and Microsoft from then on. Training that has already happened is not undone.", "path": [ "Me", "Settings & Privacy", "Data privacy", "Data for Generative AI Improvement" ], "link": "https://www.linkedin.com/mypreferences/d/settings/data-for-ai-improvement" } ] }, { "id": "strava", "name": "Strava", "category": "Fitness and learning", "checked": null, "sources": [ "https://support.strava.com/en-us/articles/15401763-what-are-my-privacy-defaults-when-i-create-a-strava-account", "https://support.strava.com/en-us/articles/15401951-privacy-controls", "https://support.strava.com/en-us/articles/15401987-activity-privacy-controls", "https://support.strava.com/en-us/articles/15402012-edit-map-visibility", "https://support.strava.com/hc/en-us/articles/360015677851-Aggregated-Data-Usage-Privacy-Controls", "https://support.strava.com/hc/en-us/articles/360016371512-Syncing-your-Contacts-and-Connections-with-Strava", "https://support.strava.com/hc/en-us/articles/216918367-Strava-Notifications" ], "settings": [ { "id": "activities", "label": "Activities", "pattern": "quantified-self-trap", "shipped": "Everyone, for adult accounts. Any Strava member can see full activity details, and activities appear on segment and challenge leaderboards. Under 18s get different defaults.", "suggested": "Choose Followers or Only You.", "why": "Each activity stops being a public entry on leaderboards and in other members' view. The subject still sees their own segment times. Past activities keep their old setting unless edited.", "path": [ "Settings", "Privacy Controls", "Activities" ], "link": "https://www.strava.com/settings/privacy" }, { "id": "profile-page", "label": "Profile Page", "pattern": "surveillance-as-convenience", "shipped": "Everyone, for adult accounts. The profile can be seen by all members and may be found through web search.", "suggested": "Choose Followers.", "why": "People the subject has not approved see less. Name, badges, bio and follower count stay visible to all members.", "path": [ "Settings", "Privacy Controls", "Profile Page" ], "link": "https://www.strava.com/settings/privacy" }, { "id": "map-visibility", "label": "Map Visibility", "pattern": "surveillance-as-convenience", "shipped": "The first and last 200 metres of future activity maps are hidden. The rest of each route is shown.", "suggested": "Hide a wider area around home and other regular addresses, or hide the entire map.", "why": "Routes stop pointing to where the subject lives or works. This does not change who can see the activity itself.", "path": [ "Settings", "Privacy Controls", "Map Visibility" ], "link": "https://www.strava.com/settings/privacy" }, { "id": "product-improvements", "label": "Product Improvements", "pattern": "default-capture", "shipped": "Enabled. Activity data feeds Strava Metro, the Global Heatmap, points of interest, AI features and new feature testing.", "suggested": "Turn Product Improvements off.", "why": "The subject's activities stop contributing to the aggregate data used by Metro and the heatmaps.", "path": [ "Settings", "Privacy Controls", "Product Improvements" ], "link": "https://www.strava.com/settings/privacy" }, { "id": "contacts", "label": "Contacts", "pattern": "frictionless-onboarding", "shipped": "Off until the subject shares the phone's address book, which can be offered at sign-up. Contacts on Strava are told the subject has joined and may be prompted to follow.", "suggested": "Turn contact sync off and remove stored contacts.", "why": "Strava stops matching the subject's address book and suggesting people in both directions. Contacts access on the phone is a separate permission.", "path": [ "You", "Settings", "Contacts" ], "link": null }, { "id": "push-notifications", "label": "Push Notifications", "pattern": "notification-creep", "shipped": "Help pages do not state which types start on. Types cover activities, friends, challenges, clubs, events, posts and other. Website notifications cannot be turned off.", "suggested": "Turn off the notification types that are not wanted.", "why": "Kudos, comments and challenge updates stop pulling the subject back into the app. Email notifications are set separately.", "path": [ "You", "Settings", "Push Notifications" ], "link": null } ] }, { "id": "duolingo", "name": "Duolingo", "category": "Fitness and learning", "checked": null, "sources": [ "https://www.duolingo.com/help/leaderboards-and-league", "https://www.duolingo.com/help/what-is-a-streak", "https://www.duolingo.com/privacy" ], "settings": [ { "id": "public-profile", "label": "Make my profile public", "pattern": "quantified-self-trap", "shipped": "On. The profile is visible to other users and to anyone on the internet. Leaderboards and friends depend on it. Under 13s have no social features.", "suggested": "Uncheck Make my profile public.", "why": "The weekly leaderboard and league promotions stop, along with friends features. Progress becomes visible only to the subject. The menu path is taken from the settings page address, as the help page gives no steps.", "path": [ "Settings", "Privacy", "Make my profile public" ], "link": "https://www.duolingo.com/settings/privacy" }, { "id": "notifications", "label": "Notification settings", "pattern": "notification-creep", "shipped": "Help pages do not state which notifications start on. Practice reminders, which are tied to the streak, and leaderboard standing notifications are set here.", "suggested": "Turn off reminders and leaderboard notifications that are not wanted.", "why": "The streak stops being the reason the app interrupts the subject. Practice can happen at a time the subject chooses.", "path": [ "Settings", "Notifications" ], "link": "https://www.duolingo.com/settings/notifications" }, { "id": "contact-sync", "label": "Contact Sync", "pattern": "frictionless-onboarding", "shipped": "Off until used. Using it shares the phone number and access to the phone's contacts. Disabled for child users.", "suggested": "Disable Contact Sync.", "why": "Duolingo deletes the stored contact information. A phone number held on the account can still let others find the subject's profile.", "path": [ "Settings", "Social Accounts", "Contact Sync" ], "link": null } ] } ]