Bluetooth is tracking you even when your GPS is off. Apps use it to map your movements and build profiles. Here’s how to stop them and protect your privacy.
Guess who’s spying from your bookshelf
ChatGPT
With more than 500 million Alexa-enabled devices sold worldwide, odds are you’ve got one sitting on your counter or desk, quietly glowing, always listening. Ever mutter something like, “I need new jeans,” and suddenly your phone’s serving up Levi’s ads? Creepy coincidence or hot mic in action?
Alexa is always in listening mode, waiting for the wake word. Then, she starts recording, and that audio gets shipped off to the cloud. By the way, you might’ve said “a lecture,” “erector” or “I’d like a snack,” but Alexa still perks up like it’s her cue to record the next few seconds of your life for her memoir.
🧑⚖️ Alexa, mind your business
Those recordings get stored, reviewed and sometimes even shared. One couple in Portland, Oregon, had their private conversation recorded by Alexa … and it was automatically sent to one of their contacts. That person worked at their company. Awkward.
Another time, Amazon turned over Alexa recordings as evidence in a murder investigation. So yes, your smart speaker might actually testify against you.
🔊 On the record
Unless you’ve changed your settings, there’s a running log of everything you’ve ever asked. The good, the bad and the weird. Want to hear them for yourself?
In the Alexa app: Tap More (three lines at the bottom) > Alexa Privacy > Review Voice and Text History. You can play them back, delete them or pretend you never asked what you just asked.
🤫 Alexa’s problem friends
Some third-party skills and apps can access your mic, calendar and contacts without much oversight. Some have been caught secretly storing data or exploiting commands, all without your knowledge.
These add-ons don’t get vetted like App Store or Play Store apps. So you’re trusting Alexa to vet her friends, and she’s a terrible bouncer.
🛡️ Your privacy checklist
Smart glasses are spyware
Kim Komando
That’s me, virtually trying on Meta’s glasses on their website, doing my best Tom Cruise Risky Business impersonation. Spoiler, I didn’t buy them.
These remind me of Google Glass. Those awkward $1,500 face computers from 2013 that made you look like a cyborg at brunch. They launched with a ton of hype and died just as fast.
Apple ups privacy: Websites can still track you by stitching together your IP, device info and time zone into a “fingerprint.” No opt-out. iOS 26 (out Sept. 16) will auto-block that in Safari. Add in spam call screening and link-tracking protection, and Apple’s getting a privacy facelift.
$725 million
That’s the total Facebook is shelling out for its privacy sins. Payouts depend on how long you were active between 2007 to 2022, so your hardcore FarmVille grinding may finally pay off. Don’t expect much, though. Basically, 15 years of oversharing buys you lunch, not a vacation.
📵 Manage blocked contacts on iPhone: In iOS 26, blocked numbers and emails are in a new area. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Blocked Contacts to see your full list. Tap any name to unblock, or hit Add Blocked Contact to manually type in a phone number or email address.
Take back your privacy: Your personal information is all over the internet on data broker and people-search sites. Incogni automatically removes your info from over 420 sites, and if you spot your info anywhere, just send them the link, and they’ll send a removal request fast. Get 60% off today!*
Lock it down: ExpressVPN is my go-to for online privacy. With one click, everything you do is hidden from hackers, snoops, even your internet provider. Right now, you’ll get 4 months FREE!
The glasses that will change everything
Oakley and Meta just launched sunglasses that look normal but secretly record everything you see. The AI-powered Oakley Meta Vanguard could change privacy, sports, and even journalism forever. Here’s what you need to know.
✉️ Another platform, same spam: Just like LinkedIn, X lets anyone send you a message request that clutters your inbox. To stop it, go to Settings and privacy > Privacy and safety > Direct messages > Allow message requests from, and toggle No one. People you follow can still message you. While you’re there, you can also toggle off Show read receipts.
👨🏻💼 Stop LinkedIn spam: If you’re flooded with unwanted message requests, lock down your profile. Go to Settings & Privacy > Data privacy > Who can reach you > Messages and toggle off Message requests. Don’t want random invites either? Go back to Who can reach you > Invitations to connect and toggle Only people in your Imported Contacts.
📱 Apple ups privacy: Websites can still track you by stitching together your IP, device info and time zone into a “fingerprint.” No opt-out. iOS 26 (out tomorrow) will auto-block that in Safari. Add in spam call screening and link-tracking protection, and Apple’s getting a privacy facelift.
Check app permissions on Mac: New apps often ask for access to your files, microphone or location. Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security, then check sections like Location Services, Contacts, Photos and Camera. You can disable access on an app-by-app basis.
The cyberstalker inside her own home
A teen’s life was turned upside down when anonymous messages flooded her phone. The shocking truth? The harasser was closer than anyone imagined. George, your AI host, breaks down this chilling story along with UFOs deflecting U.S. missiles, AI startups pumping out thousands of podcasts weekly, and essential device tips to speed up your gadgets, protect your privacy, and make your tech work smarter.
Apple targets you with ads: Apple feeds you ads in the App Store, News and Stocks. They’ll tell you it’s “privacy-friendly.” Turn it off on your iPhone: Settings > Privacy & Security > Apple Advertising > Personalized Ads. Done.
Stalkerware may be watching you
Your PC could be spying on you without your knowledge. Stalkerware secretly logs your photos, emails, location, and can even turn on your mic or camera. Here’s how to spot hidden apps, unusual activity, and protect your privacy before it’s too late.
80,000
That’s how many AI-powered cameras Flock has watching U.S. streets. The $7.5B startup’s small surveillance-tech empire is peeking at plates, bumper stickers and dents on cars from Atlanta to Anaheim. Think Big Brother, but solar-powered and subscription-based. Cops say it’s helped nail everything from ATM gangs to would-be shooters, but privacy watchdogs are freaking out.
Check your Facebook settings: The sinister mobile app has quietly turned on two settings that let Meta scan your phone’s entire camera roll. Nice. That means Facebook can look at your photos, even the ones you haven’t uploaded. Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Camera roll sharing suggestions > and Toggle off Custom sharing suggestions from your camera roll and Get camera roll suggestions when you’re browsing Facebook. PSA: Your steps may vary but these work for most.
Are these glasses secretly recording you?
Smart glasses are getting harder to spot, and some can secretly record everything you say. Here’s what you need to know to protect your privacy.
🍏 Turn off iPhone analytics: Apple collects usage data and location info from your device to “improve services.” They say it’s anonymous, but why risk your privacy? Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Analytics & Improvements and toggle everything off. Bonus: You’ll get a tiny battery boost since your phone won’t be uploading data in the background.