Limit mobile device tracking

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Your mobile device has a special ID that advertisers use to track what you do and show you targeted ads. You can reset it or turn off ad tracking to protect your privacy.  

Here’s how: 

• • 1. Find your advertising ID settings

       Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking on iOS, or Settings > Privacy & Security > Privacy Control > Ads on Android. The names of these settings may change depending on which operating system or version you are using. You can seek out trusted sources to give you the instructions for your mobile device.  

    2. Turn off personalized ads

       This stops companies from being able to use your mobile ID to serve you personalized ads. On iOS, toggle off the setting Allow Apps to Request to Track. On Android, find Delete Advertising ID, or Opt out of Ads Personalization.  

    3. Reset your ad ID 

       On Android, you can select Delete Advertising ID to reset your current tracking profile. iOS does not allow you to reset your mobile ad ID, but turning off tracking permissions disables it entirely. 

Don’t forget to review the privacy settings on internet-connected TVs or streaming devices.  

Some apps may ask to use tools or see information on your phone, even if they don’t need them to work. Tools you should pay extra close attention to include access to your location, camera, microphone, contacts, SMS, or Bluetooth. You can say no to any request that you are not comfortable sharing, but the app may crash or not work as well.  Adjusting these settings isn’t automatic, but it can give you greater control over your privacy. 

Here’s how to adjust permissions:

1. Open the Settings app on your device

   Look for a category called Privacy and Security or App Permissions.

2. Review which apps can access your data

   Be on the lookout for when apps ask to view your information or use tools on your phone for the first time. You can change these settings at any time.  

3. Choose the settings that work for your needs

   You can choose whether apps can see or use certain tools.  Sometimes, saying no will cause apps to crash or not work properly, but many apps will still run just fine. You can also let the app use this information only while you are using the app, rather than all the time. 

Sometimes, you will need to provide your personal information to an app in order to use it. You can still say no to the sale or sharing of your data. Sometimes, you can even do this in the app’s settings, in addition to their website.  

To do so:

1. Open the app’s settings

   Select the menu icon (usually marked by three dots or lines). Choose Settings or Account Preferences (usually marked by a gear icon) from the menu. Then, find the section related to privacy. This can be called Privacy, Legal, or something similar. 

2. Find your privacy options

   Look for phrases like “Do Not Sell My Info”, “Your Privacy Choices”, “Your Privacy Rights”, “Cookie Settings” or “Manage Ad Preferences”. 

3. Fill out the form

   These rights are separate from your device’s tracking permissions. They are specific to the company’s app. You can opt-out of the selling and sharing of your data. You can also ask companies to use less of your personal information for targeted ads. This can look like toggles, check boxes, or a form you fill out. 

4. Repeat on your other apps and devices

   Companies must respect your privacy choices. You do have to adjust these settings across all your devices and accounts. 

Opt-out of audience-matched advertising 

Hundreds of businesses offer digital advertising called “audience matched advertising.” It uses personal data to learn more about what you do online.  

There are advertising industry groups, like Opt-out: The Network Advertising Initiative and The Digital Advertising Alliance’s AdChoices. They offer free tools that let you control how some advertisers use audience matched advertising. These tools are for your browser, phone, tablet, streaming devices, and smart TVs.  

Keep your devices updated 

Regularly updating your devices helps protect your security and privacy. Software updates don’t just include new features. They also include important bug patches. Security gaps can leave your personal information vulnerable to malware, ransomware, or data theft by cybercriminals. Software updates can also improve settings about your personal information. They can give you more control over location tracking, app permissions, and ad personalization.  

You can find updates by navigating to Settings > General > Software Update or Settings > System > Software Update, depending on your device. You can also turn on automatic updates. New updates will be installed once they become available.