Privacy Watch: How to reduce your data-broker footprint

Data brokers collect information from apps, websites, loyalty programs, public records, ad networks and other sources, then package and sell it. You can’t eliminate every trace, but you can reduce the amount of sensitive health and location data available for sale.

Lock down location sharing

Start with your phone’s location settings. Many apps ask for location access even when they do not need it.

Set most apps to “Never” or “Ask next time.” For apps that genuinely need location, such as maps or ride-hailing services, choose “While using the app,” not “Always.” Turn off precise location unless the app truly needs your exact position.

Weather, shopping, coupon, game, prayer, dating and social media apps are common places to check.

Be careful with health apps and AI tools

Do not assume that information entered into a health app, fertility tracker, symptom checker, wearable device app or AI chatbot is protected by medical privacy laws.

HIPAA generally applies to doctors, hospitals, insurers and other covered health entities — not to every app or website that collects health-related information.

Before entering sensitive details, ask whether the service really needs the information. Avoid sharing reproductive health details, medication lists, mental health notes or medical images with apps or AI tools unless you understand how the data will be used and stored.

Review app permissions

On your phone, review permissions for location, contacts, photos, microphone, camera and Bluetooth.

Remove permissions that are not necessary. A flashlight app does not need your contacts. A coupon app probably does not need always-on location access. A game should not need your microphone.

Delete apps you no longer use. Old apps can keep collecting data in the background or remain linked to advertising networks.

Limit ad tracking

On iPhones, turn off permission for apps to track you across other companies’ apps and websites. On Android phones, review ad ID and privacy settings and reset or delete your advertising ID where available.

Use browser privacy settings to block third-party cookies and cross-site tracking. Consider a privacy-focused browser or tracker-blocking extension, especially for health, legal, financial or personal searches.

Watch loyalty programs and “free” services

Retail loyalty programs, coupon apps, pharmacy rewards programs and cash-back services can collect detailed purchase histories.

That data can reveal health conditions, pregnancy-related purchases, financial stress, location patterns and household habits. Use loyalty programs selectively, especially when buying sensitive health, reproductive or personal-care products.

Opt out where possible

Some data brokers allow consumers to opt out, but the process can be tedious and may need to be repeated. Start with major people-search sites and data brokers that publish consumer opt-out pages.

Search your name, city, phone number and email address periodically to see what is publicly exposed. Remove listings that show your home address, relatives, phone numbers or other personal details.

Separate sensitive activity

For sensitive health, legal or personal research, avoid using accounts that are tied to your real name when possible.

Use a browser’s private mode for limited purposes, but remember that private browsing does not hide your activity from websites, apps, internet providers or all trackers. For higher privacy, use a reputable VPN, tracker blockers and privacy-focused search tools.

Protect family members

Data-broker profiles can connect household members, relatives and addresses. That can create risks for domestic violence survivors, abortion patients, public employees, journalists, activists and others who may be targeted.

Check what information is available about children, older relatives and household members. Remove home addresses and phone numbers where possible.

The bottom line

The safest rule is simple: treat health and location data as highly sensitive. Share it only when there is a clear benefit, limit app permissions, delete what you do not use and assume that “free” apps may be paid for with your personal information.