Privacy Newsletter

When we talk about online privacy, we often hear responses like: “I’m protected by my antivirus software, spam filter, etc.” While security software is important in staying safe online, it is a common misconception that security = privacy. It does not. A great example is Google’s ad network. While connections to it are securely encrypted,..
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When you sign up for a website, you’re often presented with a “Terms of Service” that outlines how your data is collected and used. But, did you know that all that information about you, that you work so hard to protect, is rarely ever your exclusive legal property? Most websites demand a perpetual license to..
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When we first released our study on private browsing modes, a lot of people were shocked to see that websites could still track them even when they blocked cookies and used private browsing (aka “incognito mode”). To see for yourself, check out Nothing Private, an example site that showcases private browsing tracking in the real..
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Companies often tell you that sharing your data is safe because they “anonymize” it by first removing or obfuscating your personal information. However, this depersonalization leads to only partial anonymity, as companies still usually store and share your data grouped together. This data group can be analyzed, and in many cases, then linked back to..
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If you’ve ever used the same password on more than one website, then your accounts may be compromised due to data leaks. Once a hacker gets your login information from a single site, they can try it on other sites. Many hackers use automated tools to cycle through leaked password lists, trying them on many..
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When was the last time you spoke with your friends or family about internet privacy? Sadly, for most people, the answer is never. In general, people believe that only a small percentage of people care about privacy, and while we know that isn’t true, it is something that keeps most people from talking about privacy…
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Recently there’s been a lot of justified outrage over “fake news” and the fact that many people are living in an echo chamber online. Companies like Google use your profile to filter the results they show you, based on what they think you are most likely to click on. This is commonly known as the..
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