{"id":224467,"date":"2025-03-14T16:49:16","date_gmt":"2025-03-14T16:49:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/businesnewswire.com\/?p=95557"},"modified":"2025-03-14T16:49:16","modified_gmt":"2025-03-14T16:49:16","slug":"6-things-you-might-not-know-about-your-privacy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ipsnews.net\/business\/2025\/03\/14\/6-things-you-might-not-know-about-your-privacy\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Things You Might Not Know About Your Privacy"},"content":{"rendered":"

Your personal information is more exposed than it\u2019s ever been. That\u2019s just a fact.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Whether you\u2019re shopping online, using social media, or simply browsing the internet, companies are constantly collecting, analyzing, and sometimes even <\/span>selling your data<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

And while most people assume they have control over their privacy, the truth is there\u2019s a lot happening behind the scenes that you might not know about. Understanding how your data is used, who has access to it, and what laws protect you is essential for keeping your personal information safe.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are some key privacy facts that might surprise you.<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

1. Your Smartphone Tracks More Than You Realize<\/b><\/p>\n

Yes, your phone is a communication device. But it\u2019s also a constant data-collection machine. Many apps request permissions to track your location, access your contacts, read messages, and even listen to your microphone. While some of these functions are necessary for an app to work properly (like maps needing your location), others are completely unnecessary and serve only to collect data.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you haven\u2019t already, review the app permissions on your device. Go to your settings and check which apps have access to sensitive information. Disable permissions that don\u2019t make sense. (You might be shocked at how many apps have been tracking you without your knowledge.)<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Companies Are Buying and Selling Your Data<\/b><\/p>\n

Every time you enter your email on a website, sign up for a free service, or even just browse online, your data is being collected. But what happens to that data? In many cases, companies sell it to third parties who use it for targeted advertising, analytics, or even more invasive tracking methods.<\/span><\/p>\n

For example, if you\u2019ve ever noticed ads that seem eerily specific to something you just searched for, it\u2019s because your data is being shared between advertisers, social media platforms, and data brokers. To limit this, adjust your privacy settings on social media, clear your cookies regularly, and consider using a privacy-focused web browser like Brave or DuckDuckGo.<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

3. The TCPA Protects You from Robocalls\u2026But Only If You Enforce It<\/b><\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve ever received an unsolicited robocall or spam text, you might be wondering if it\u2019s even legal. The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) was created to limit telemarketers from making excessive or unwanted calls to consumers. It requires companies to get your consent before calling or texting you for marketing purposes.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, despite this law, many companies ignore the regulations and flood consumers with robocalls and spam messages. If you receive repeated unwanted calls, you have rights. You can:<\/span><\/p>\n