Despite all the privacy scandals, more than two billion users remain on Facebook. They stay connected with family and friends, find potential customers, and get the latest news – sometimes accurate, and sometimes not. But all those perceived benefits come at a great cost. Kim looks at a recent study that shows even a temporary break from Facebook can lead to greater happiness and satisfaction for almost everyone.
Remove yourself from people search sites
Want to hear something a little bit creepy? Anybody who’s willing to pay online information brokers – aka people-search sites – can learn your phone number, address, criminal record and a lot more. Even more creepy? This information doesn’t always come at a price. You could be giving it away.
Primary data brokers like Intelius collect information from public records. Secondary data brokers, like Spokeo, aggregate information from primary brokers and add data collected from social networks and other online sources.
Not only is it creepy, but having all this information floating around on the internet can have more dangerous effects too, mainly stemming from internet “trolls.” If a troll gets a hold of your information, such as name, phone number, address, online accounts, etc., and then “drop box,” releases your information online, hundreds or thousands of internet trolls can appear and start harassing you.
The scary thing is it’s possible to get anyone’s information, especially if a troll is willing to spend a few dollars. Almost everyone’s information – including yours – is publicly available through a variety of “tracking” sites.
If you’ve got the willies just thinking about it, it might be a good time to search for yourself on these sites and remove yourself from their databases.
Each site’s opt-out procedure is different; some even require letters and faxes! It will take some time, but it’s worth it to preserve your privacy. You’ll want to regularly check to make sure your information hasn’t been put back.
Facebook got caught with its hands in the digital cookie jar
Facebook got caught – again – with its hands in the data cookie jar. This time, an app tracked just every single thing you did on your phone and sent it all back to Facebook. Kim looks at the latest privacy violation from Facebook and what their real motive was behind it.
A Federal judge rules that police can't force you to unlock your cellphone
A judge in northern California ruled that police can’t force anyone to unlock their smartphones using biometrics like a fingerprint or facial ID. But, this case is far from over. In this podcast, Kim looks at what this decision really means and how the battle for privacy is far from over.
Facebook is handing out your data to big companies
When you use your Facebook login to access an app or a website, how much of your data do you expect them to share? It turns out that Facebook has been handing out a lot more data than we thought to big companies. In this episode of Consumer Tech Update, Kim looks at a New York Times report about Facebook violating users’ privacy rights once again.
Forensic genealogy - From finding a blood relative to solving a shocking crime
Forensic DNA analysis has been used by law enforcement for years to help solve some of the biggest crimes. But with the rise of DNA analysis and forensic genealogy companies such as 23andMe, Ancestry, and Genomelink, some ethical questions must be answered. In this episode of Komando on Demand, Kim explores how law enforcement uses forensic DNA analysis to solve notorious criminal cases as well as the ethics and privacy issues of DNA data banks.
Vote With Me lets you see the voting record of every contact in your phone
Midterm elections are just a few days away and a new app that is meant to encourage people to vote is also irking some voters. In this episode of Consumer Tech Update, Kim looks at the app “Vote With Me”, talks about how it works and if it is an invasion of privacy.
Can the government protect your online privacy?
It’s Cyber Security Awareness Month, and whether it’s a data leak or a data breach, it seems that your private information is getting passed around every day. In this episode of Komando on Demand, guest host and renowned attorney Steven Teppler talks to retired FBI special agent Lawrence Wolfenden, now a cybersecurity and privacy expert, about his experiences with electronic privacy issues during his career as well as what the government can and can’t do when it comes to protecting our privacy.
Location technology and GPS systems are tracking your every move
It’s a fact that if you own a cellphone, you’re being tracked. But have you ever wondered who is tracking you and how much they can actually see? In this episode of Kim Komando Explains, Kim looks at who is spying on us and how, if possible, we can hide from them in order to maintain our data and privacy. Kim also talks to Richard Eilert, an expert in geolocation and geofencing and how your location means big bucks for companies.
Cybersecurity and why we're our own worst enemy
Americans take risks in many areas of their lives whether it’s in business, school, at home, or online. In this episode of Consumer Tech Update, Kim explores how people are “digital risk takers” and what they need to do to safeguard themselves and their online privacy.
Beware of birth control connected technology smartphone apps
Wherever there is connected technology, there are armies of people who dedicate their lives to breaking-in, and stealing that data. In this episode of Consumer Tech Update, Kim looks at how birth control can impact your privacy.
Uber and Lyft drivers livestream passengers without their consent
You may have heard the story of the St. Louis Uber driver who set up hidden cameras in his car to record then live stream his passengers. Do you have the right to seek legal action? Or do we lose our privacy the moment we are out in public?
The private information we happily give away each day
Every day we give big tech a piece of our privacy, becoming part of their vast system of algorithms. In this Consumer Tech Update, Kim explains how we tell big tech about us, and what they already know.
Your Privacy - Amazon’s Alexa comes to Marriott hotel rooms
When you get a hotel room you expect privacy, right? That’s why not everyone is happy about Amazon and Marriott hotels teaming up. By this summer, all hotel rooms will have Alexa. Listen to this Consumer Tech Update as Kim explains how it will work and raises questions we all should be asking.
Scary! Hidden cameras are a vacationer's privacy nightmare
Ever get the feeling you’re being watched? More and more vacationers are discovering hidden cameras in their rentals or hotel rooms, and you won’t believe some of the nooks they are found in. As if the thought of being recorded isn’t scary enough, the legal action (or lack thereof) in many privacy cases will surely frighten you. In this Komando On Demand podcast, I’ll share my own harrowing experience, how to spot hidden cameras, and what to do if someone’s been recording your every move.
Should you give your DNA to testing companies?
DNA testing companies promise to break down your genetic code if you send them a sample of saliva. They’re making billions, but at what cost to your privacy? Listen to this free Consumer Tech Update podcast for more on why you need to pay attention to their terms and conditions.
Is Amazon’s Alexa listening and recording more than you realize?
Is Alexa spying on you? Your personal voice assistant might be a double agent. It works for you by answering questions and making life easier. She’s also working for Amazon collecting information. You can listen to everything Amazon has stored away and delete your past. You might have growing privacy concerns. In this free Komando on Demand podcast, you’ll hear how to listen to everything you have said to Alexa and how to the delete the recordings.
Facebook's widening privacy scandal affects you like you never imagined possible.
Facebook’s scandal gets worse as more details emerge about how they tracked you like you never knew before. In my podcast, I talk to some of the leading technology and data breach attorneys, John Yanchunis and Steven Teppler, about what’s in store for Facebook and also what we can do to protect ourselves in this age of dwindling privacy. It’s become clear that your information is the currency of the 21st century. Have we lost trust in Facebook?
Another lesson about so called online privacy
Misplaced outrage over “internet privacy”
Beware of Barbie! And more of the unsuspecting gadgets that are listening to you in your home!
Forget privacy! Even if you think your home is a safe haven, the “Internet of Things” is taking over and listening to your every move. Smartphones, TV’s, barbie dolls and even crockpots are listening and storing your conversations. All of it prime information for anyone who wants it. Listen to my free podcast to hear what types of appliances are gathering information, where it’s going and what you can do about it.