We deal with our Privacy as if we were exchanging goods. We have no problem sharing private information if in return we get convenience, attention or money in some sort. Our privacy acts as a second currency we naturally have. The difference between a currency in the form of money and privacy is that you can’t get back privacy if you spend it. Other than money your privacy does not find its way just to one person, it can be shared infinitely many times without losing value. Each part of our privacy is practically gone from the moment that we spend it. You cannot get it back. So you only have a certain amount of this currency that I recommend spending deliberately. Therefore, I want to share these five tips to protect your privacy in everyday life.

1. Rediscover the benefits of cash

You can spend money in various different ways. When paying cash there is no link between the buyer and the products bought. Unless you use a loyalty card or such which I talk about in the next section. When you use card payment various information is shared with your bank, the beneficiary bank and the network (e.g. Mastercard, Visa), if you use a credit card. Of course, they need some information about your purchase to conclude the transaction, but these data don’t simply disappear afterwards as we can read in these companies’ privacy policies (Mastercard Privacy Policy). These data serve various purposes including sharing with third parties. Again, the banks want you to use cards rather than cash because they earn money by settling transactions. So think twice before pulling out your credit card the next time you pay.

2. Think about getting rid of your loyalty cards

Many businesses have some kind of loyalty program. While you think that they do you a favor by rewarding you for buying their stuff, you might forget that you are also doing them a big favor. Every time you use your loyalty card your purchase is matched with your profile. Like this, they have the perfect track of your buying behavior. This data might be sold or used for targeted ads. You might miss out on a customized deal not using such a card, but think of the money you would save not buying the stuff that they want you to.

3. Give sweepstakes a wide berth

Have you ever wondered how a business can afford giving away amazing prizes and why they do so? Having customers taking part in a sweepstakes is a powerful advertisement since it forces you to interact with that business in some way, which creates a strong, more memorable connection to that brand. So far, nothing bad, but you also share personal information by taking part. You hopefully don’t think that they really need your full address, phone number and date of birth to contact you in case you win. This personal information is shared with other businesses just like they openly state in the terms and conditions. Again, I wouldn’t let someone else chose who is getting your personal data.

4. Don’t tell apps where you are

How many times did an app ask you to enable location services? Useful functions can be offered by knowing the location of the user. Nevertheless, is it necessary to communicate your whereabouts with any app asking for it? Even though your position, not like your date of birth, changes frequently, it is worth considering whom to share it with. Your location combined with the time you spend there is a very personal and powerful information. The upcoming Google Maps update for example was improved exactly to get this information. You are not constantly browsing, but you are constantly moving thus generating data. Therefore, my advice is first, do not share you location and second if you do, allow localization only while you are using the specific service.

5. Lose your fitness tracker

Whether you have one or want one; break up with it. The Canadian non-profit organization The Citizen Lab which thoroughly compared fitness trackers, discovered “[…] severe security vulnerabilities, incredibly sensitive geolocation transmissions that serve no apparent benefit to the end user […] and unclear policies leaving the door open for the sale of users’ fitness data […] without express consent of the users. […]”. By sharing health data, it is possible to make conclusions on the user’s fitness, wellbeing and health, which would be very valuable information for health insurances. Click here to see their full report.

Use SnowHaze

In addition, I am giving out a bonus tip; rely on a browser that protects your data. As a founder of the private browser SnowHaze I am of course very much a fan of this app. I honestly also would be if I had nothing to do with it. I truly believe that personal information attaining the online world is something to avoid. So consider, if you don’t already do, protecting your privacy when browsing online. Also, have a look at this article explaining the benefits of SnowHaze.

Always be aware of these few points in everyday life. When you get into a situation where you are supposed to give out private information like hometown, birthday or phone number, never forget to think first who profits from your information. Also, some devices simply collect your data without asking your permission. Always ask yourself whether it is necessary. Most of the time you will realize that with your information third parties are able to make money. This is the simplest example to show that your Personal information is actually valuable and thus needs to be protected.