Reader's Digest May 2020

Reader's Digest May 2020
This week's cover story is about how everything we do online leaves a footprint. Companies like Google and Facebook can track you using cookies, what you look at and search, etc. But there are also other things that can track you. First, your TV. TVs are getting cheaper, but it's partly because the new smart TVs can sell your information, money-makers for the manufacturers. If you read the privacy policies carefully, you may find your TV tracks every. single. pixel. Also a hot topic these days - smart speakers. You may have heard Google Home, Alexa, or Siri burst in on conversations or TV, thinking you called for it. But this is scary. It means the speakers are listening to everything, waiting for its command word. The companies claim they do not use their recordings for profit, but it's best to be wary. Cars are getting smarter, too.
Some cars can even sense weight differences, tracking how much weight you gain. In some dealership contracts, you sign away your right to privacy when you buy the car. Be careful! Everyone also has what is called a "consumer score". Whenever you make transactions online, surveillances groups use criteria to determine how likely you are to buy, and how fast you'll do it. A higher score probably means you'll get more robocalls and telemarketers, though no one knows for sure. If you want to know your score, try emailing privacy@sift.com. So how do you protect yourself? Whenever you can, avoid opting for things via text or email, get them in print instead. You can also stop information collecting at simpleoptout.com or add your phone number to the National Do Not Call Registry at donotcall.gov. Lastly, turn off Location Services on unnecessary apps, be wary of your social media, and keep smart speakers off when being unused.