My Results: State of Online Privacy

Before you provide personal information to get an app or online service, ask yourself: How might this app or service benefit from having this information? Could those benefits be detrimental to me?

Periodically search for yourself using a search engine to see what information others can see about you. Try using multiple search engines, as well as including an image search. Make sure to perform the search using a private browsing window as search engines customize results if you’re signed in, and/or based on what results you’ve clicked in the past.

• Why you should Google yourself now

Keep up with changes to privacy settings and policies.

1. Pay attention to updates from services, websites, and app providers about privacy settings and policies. As a backup, you can check out this update site:
   • Service That Tracks Changes to Privacy Policies for Major Sites: TOSBack: The Terms-of-Service Tracker
2. Update software/apps, as new privacy settings may become available.
3. Regularly review and update your privacy settings in case the options have changed. Use these guides to help you check the settings most important to you:
   • Directory of Resources for Managing Your Settings: Privacy Settings How-To's

• Privacy Laws and Regulations

  • Summary of the Current State of U.S. Online Privacy Laws: Internet Law - Privacy (from USLegal)
  • Analysis of What the United States Constitution Says or Implies About Privacy: The Right of Privacy
  • For Parents - Protecting Children’s Privacy Online – A Guide for Parents, Carers and Educators

• Consumer Privacy Policies and the Value of Information

  • An Engaging Feature-Length Film, and an Accompanying Resource Website: Terms and Conditions May Apply
  • Quick Explanation of What's in Privacy Policies: Privacy Policies: What You Should Know
  • Explanations, Advice, and Resources About (the Lack of) Online Privacy Protections: Only You Have an Interest in Maintaining Your Privacy