How to Keep Companies from Collecting Too Much Data

Just about all companies collect data, including many you work with. Your business too collects data from customers to aid in its operations. In terms of your own privacy, though, you should take certain measures to protect your personal data. Here are some of the ways you can combat the predatory practices of advertisers and cybercriminals alike.

Read Over the Privacy Policies and Reports

Are you aware of what websites and apps actually collect from you?

For some reference, you can go to the Data Collection section of any website’s privacy policy. Take note of what data the business collects from you, how the information is stored, and how it’s used. App stores can also tell you more about this data, so before you download an app or grant permissions to an existing one, consider what data is collected and how it’s used by the company.

Depending on where in the world you operate, you might also receive emails or notifications about changes to policies or security issues, which you should keep in mind as you begin your data privacy journey.

Say No to Data Collection

Since many companies are now using generative AI, they'll use customer data to train the AI tools, which should feel a little uncomfortable to you if you value privacy.

We encourage you to limit data collection whenever possible. You can sometimes request the removal of data in an app or service’s settings, particularly in the use case mentioned above with generative AI. The more apps you do this for, the less data is collected as a whole, and the more privacy-minded you will be.

If you can refuse to offer up data to businesses or services, you absolutely should consider doing so… But what if you can’t opt out of data collection?

Don’t Give Businesses the Data They Want

If you can’t outright say “no” to businesses that want your data, you can always, well, lie to them.

Sometimes an app or service will request information from you that it seemingly has no use for. Well, there is a use for it, and it’s to make money, whether it’s to target you with specific campaigns or to sell your data off somewhere else. It might feel wrong, but for certain companies and services that collect data for seemingly no reason, there’s no harm in bending the truth a little to protect your own privacy.

Furthermore, you can and should refuse to accept cookies whenever you see a need to.

Start Prioritizing Your Security

Protecting your own privacy also means knowing a thing or two more about how to keep your own business’ customers safe.

Security might be tough, but it’s not impossible. You can let us do the hard work for you so you can focus on doing more interesting and exciting things for your business. With Direct Technology Group on the job, you can be confident we’ll help your business stay privacy-minded and compliant with consumer protection laws.

Learn more by calling us at (954) 739-4700 today.