Your data, your rules: privacy reset

The new year isn't just about gym memberships and organization goals, it's the perfect time to take control of something that affects you every single day, your digital privacy. Your personal information is scattered across countless platforms, apps, and services, often shared in ways you might not even realize. But here's the good news, you have more control than you think. Let's make this the year you take back your data.

Understanding your digital footprint

Before you can protect your privacy, you need to understand what's out there. Your digital footprint includes everything from social media posts and online purchases to location data and browsing history. Every app download, every "accept all cookies" click, and every account you've created contributes to this trail.

Think of your digital footprint as your online shadow, it follows you everywhere, and it's often bigger than you realize. The first step to managing it is knowing what it looks like.

Conducting your privacy audit

• Start with a data inventory. Set aside an hour to list every platform where you have an account. Check your email for confirmation messages from services you've signed up for, you'll likely be surprised by how many there are. Include social media, shopping sites, streaming services, fitness apps, and any other digital services you use.
• Request your data. Most major platforms are legally required to provide you with a copy of the data they've collected about you. Take advantage of this. On Facebook, Instagram, Google, and other services, look for "Download Your Data" or "Data & Privacy" options in settings. Reviewing what these companies know about you can be eye-opening and will help you make informed decisions about what to share going forward.
• Identify unused accounts. Found accounts you haven't used in years? Delete them. Old, forgotten accounts are security vulnerabilities waiting to happen. If a service you no longer use gets breached, your information could be compromised. Use services like JustDeleteMe to find direct links to account deletion pages, some companies make it deliberately difficult to leave.

Platform-by-platform privacy settings

Now for the hands-on work, updating your privacy settings. This isn't a one-size-fits-all process, but here are the key areas to focus on:

• Social media platforms: Review who can see your posts, who can tag you in photos, and whether your profile appears in search engines. Limit your audience to friends only for personal content. Check your ad preferences and opt out of personalized advertising where possible. Review and revoke access for third-party apps connected to your accounts, many of these were probably authorized years ago and forgotten.
• Smartphone settings: Both iOS and Android offer granular privacy controls. Review app permissions and ask yourself: Does this flashlight app really need access to my contacts? Does this game need my location? Disable permissions that don't make sense. Enable features like App Tracking Transparency (iOS) or limit ad tracking on Android.
• Web browsers: Switch to privacy-focused browsers or use privacy extensions. Enable "Do Not Track" requests, regularly clear your cookies and cache, and consider using a VPN like TELUS Online Security when on public Wi-Fi. Review and remove browser extensions you no longer use as they can track your activity too.
• Smart home devices: Review what your smart speakers, thermostats, and cameras are recording. Most devices have settings to delete voice recordings, limit data collection, or disable certain features. Check who has access to shared devices and revoke access for people who no longer need it.

Building better data protection habits

Privacy isn't a one-time fix—it's an ongoing practice. Here are habits to carry forward:

• Think before you share. Before posting, purchasing, or signing up, ask yourself: Is this information necessary? Who will have access to it? What could happen if it were leaked?
• Use strong, unique passwords. A password manager makes this easy. Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible—it's one of the most effective security measures available.
• Read privacy policies (or at least skim them). Look for key information: what data is collected, how it's used, whether it's sold to third parties, and how long it's retained.
• Regular privacy check-ins. Set a quarterly reminder to review your privacy settings. Platforms update their policies and features regularly, and what was private yesterday might be public today.
• Educate yourself continuously. Privacy threats evolve, and so should your knowledge. Follow trusted sources for digital privacy news and updates.

Your data, your power

Taking control of your digital privacy might feel overwhelming at first, but remember, you don't have to do everything at once. Start with one platform, one setting, one habit. Each small step you take reduces your exposure and increases your control.

Your data is valuable, to you and to countless companies. This year, make it a priority to protect what's yours. Test your privacy know-how with this quiz. Because when it comes to your personal information, you should always be the one calling the shots.