🔒 WhatsApp’s new privacy feature: Scammers love to ask you to use WhatsApp. When the new Advanced Chat Privacy mode is on, your messages can’t be exported and pics/vids won’t auto-download. To find it, tap the chat name, then select Advanced Chat Privacy.
Your privacy restored
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Ever Googled yourself and thought, “What the heck is that doing online?” Old addresses, phone numbers and even the car you drive are all out there. Worse, it’s probably on some sketchy people search site or buried in a mountain of search results.
I’ve been there too. After I went on a mission to wipe my info from every site I could find, I barely made a dent. That’s when I found Incogni.
The solution that works
I started with Incogni’s standard service. They send opt-out requests to 250+ data broker sites. Watching that removal list grow felt amazing. No more spam calls or texts cluttering up my phone, either. But some of the worst offenders, like search engine results, aren’t part of this deal.
So, I upgraded to Incogni Unlimited, which took things to the next level. You can submit links to specific sites where your info is shown. Spot yourself on a people search page? Just send it to Incogni. They’ll handle it until, poof, it’s gone.
You got the power
Before you say, “Kim, this sounds like a lot of work.” It isn’t. Incogni makes submissions a breeze.
Here’s how to do it:
- Copy the URL where you see your info.
- Paste it into your Incogni dashboard.
- Their team checks if it’s eligible (spoiler: it usually is).
- They reach out and sort out the removal for you.
- You get a notification when it’s done.
Submit as many links as you want. Unlike other services that cap you, Incogni lets you go wild.
Is there anything they can’t remove?
Some sites are off-limits, like government records, criminal conviction reports or social media accounts. But almost everything else is fair game.
Your smart thermostat is basically a nosy roommate
ChatGPT
Charles in San Antonio asked, “Kim, I have one of those smart thermostats. It must collect a lot of my data. Where does it all go?”
Buckle up, Charles, because your thermostat might know more about you than your best friend, your doctor or your cat. If you’ve got a Nest, Ecobee or any of those sleek little screens controlling your HVAC, they’re managing temperature while they basically stalk you, politely and with your permission.
Switching to StartMail is easier than you think. You can transfer your inbox and contacts in just a few clicks — no hassle, no headaches. Unlike big tech email providers, StartMail puts your privacy first. No more scanning your messages to target you with ads. Just secure, private email that puts you in control. Check it out now.
You didn’t search it, but the ad still found you
ChatGPT
Mention taking a trip to Antarctica near your phone, and suddenly every screen you own starts pushing parkas. You didn’t search it. Didn’t type it. Definitely didn’t ask your smart speaker to recommend thermal underwear. But the “Visit Antarctica” ads found you anyway. So how did they know?
Tech how-to: Delete your DNA data
ChatGPT
You can freeze your credit. Change your password. Replace a stolen phone. But there’s one thing you can’t ever change: your DNA.
That’s why the news that 23andMe just filed for bankruptcy should set off alarms. This company collected genetic information from over 15 million people. Yours could be sold as part of bankruptcy proceedings, absorbed into a merger or leaked in a breach. You’ll never know until it’s too late.
🖨️ Print-happy warning: When you print a doc at FedEx, Staples or UPS, check the fine print. Their policies say they can use whatever you print for advertising or share it with unnamed third parties. No, thanks. UPS: “Sure, we’ll print your divorce papers … and maybe send them to Pepsi’s marketing team.”
Big Tech chooses the emails you see: That’s why (gasp) my newsletter and other stuff you want to see can get lost in junk or promotions. Try my email pick built around your privacy, StartMail. Hit this link for a free seven-day trial.
🛑 Stop ad trackers: It makes it harder for advertisers and data brokers to snoop on you. On iPhones, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking and toggle off Allow Apps to Request to Track. For Androids, open Settings > Google > Ads, then enable Opt out of Ads Personalization.
Facebook’s newest snoop: Meet Link History, which Facebook says is a handy tool for saving your browsing. Privacy concern? Absolutely. FB tracks and sells all your clicks. Here’s how to turn it off: Open the Facebook app, tap Menu > Settings & privacy > Settings > Browser, and toggle off Allow link history.
Why you need a second phone number
I have a second number on my phone. You should, too.
Your main number? Keep that locked down for the important stuff — your bank, doctor’s office and family. But when you’re ordering takeout, signing up for a one-time deal or making an online purchase, why give out your real number?
Flying or cruising? They’re watching you.
You might not realize it, but airlines and cruise lines collect a lot of data, from your seat choice to the websites you browse on their Wi-Fi.
When you book a flight or cruise, they collect the usual stuff, including your name, email, phone number, passport info and payment details. But it doesn’t stop there. They also track:
Tell Instagram to stop tracking you: Go to your profile and click the three-line icon > Accounts Center. Choose Ad Preferences > Manage info > Activity information from ad partners. Tap Review Settings, then No, don’t make my ads more relevant. Press Confirm. Voila.
🍑 Imagine accidentally leaking your own nudes: That’s what happened to one guy thanks to a little-known Google Pixel setting. Pressing the power button five times activates Emergency SOS. It calls emergency services and sends a video recording to your chosen contacts. He was naked in bed and half asleep. You can turn it off under Settings > Safety & Emergency > Emergency SOS.
Get everything Amazon collects and tracks about you
I was doing some research about Amazon and ran across a golden nugget I couldn’t wait to share with you. We all know Amazon tracks everything including what you browse, buy, watch and even ask Alexa.
But here’s the surprise: You can download all of it. I’ll show you how.
Delete these snoopy Chrome browser extensions
Let’s start with the basics. Chrome extensions add extra features not built into Chrome, like ad blocking, translations and one-click full-page screenshots.
Just like apps on your phone, extensions request permissions to track what you do, see and share online. But many extensions get far more access than they need and collect data way beyond their intended purpose. And that’s when you’re at risk of identity theft, scams and data harvesting.
Retailers, data brokers and ads, oh my!
Linda recently called my national radio show with a question that flooded my inbox. Clearly, a lot of you have experienced a similarly eerie moment.
I hear you: “Kim, her phone was listening!” The answer isn’t that simple, but I can explain what’s really going on.
Tech how-to: Check your phone for signs someone is watching
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I get so many calls during my national radio show and DMs from folks who think they’re being stalked. Sometimes, the person is seeing signs that aren’t there. Other times, it’s clear there’s something going on. It’s not surprising, given how easy it is for tech to watch someone’s movements.
Fitness apps are selling your privacy – how to protect your data
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How to run a 5-minute privacy check on your phone
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We’ve all got a lot of sensitive info on our phones — texts with loved ones, banking details, passwords and family photos. You don’t want anyone snooping around, whether it’s an app maker on the other side of the world or the guy sitting behind you at the coffee shop.