Fake your location to get the lowest prices: A friend of mine in Phoenix booked a rental car in the U.K. It was $955. I told her to try this trick. She used her VPN to change her location to the U.K. and the same car for the same dates was $322. Just another reason why you need ExpressVPN on all your devices. Use this link to get three months free.
60-second privacy fix, Google edition
In today’s episode of “I always feel like somebody’s watchin’ me,” our “close friend” Google is recording our voices. And, of course, they’re being sneaky about it.
Yep, a hidden feature in your Google account is snatching up audio recordings from your web and app activity, interactions with digital assistants, and more.
Worry not, friend. I’m looking out for your security and privacy — because we all know Big Tech companies aren’t.
Who’d a thunk it?
Google says they’re only listening in for commands and to boost marketing efforts (eye roll). But this breach of your privacy isn’t an innocent one.
If a cybercriminal hacks into your Google account or smart devices, they can get their hands on your stored audio and voice data — and it’s all downhill from there. We’re talking AI voice clones that can gain access to your sensitive accounts, scam your loved ones or worse.
Luckily, there’s a way you can stop the madness. Here’s how to block Google from eavesdropping.
Digital earmuffs
Google is smart, but we’re smarter. Follow these steps to protect your privacy. It’s easy on your phone:
- Open the Google app on your smartphone.
- Click Manage Your Google Account and select the Data and Privacy tab, then scroll down to History Settings.
- Select Web & App activity. You may notice there’s a blue checkmark next to the voice and audio activity setting. Uncheck it.
Now, like magic, audio recordings from your interactions with Google Search, Assistant and Maps aren’t saved to your Google aAccount. They won’t get saved on Google’s servers, either. Phew.
But this won’t wipe any previously saved audio recordings. You’ll have to take care of that separately. Here’s how.
Peeping Tom caught in the act at Target
Stories like this make my blood boil. Some creep was caught taking pics up women’s skirts at a Target store. Let’s give a big cheer for the woman who called him out — and filmed it.
Peeping Toms and tech are a match made in you-know-where. They use everything from smartphones to hidden cameras to get their fix. Luckily, I’m on your side to keep you and your loved ones safe.
15 million vets’ health data was leaked: It was part of the recently reported Change Healthcare and UnitedHealth ransomware data breach. Supposedly, patients’ “full medical histories” weren’t compromised, but with more dirt coming out about the breach almost every day, who’s to say how deep this rabbit hole goes? Watch out for medical ID theft.
What percentage of Americans admit to routinely spying on their partner’s phone and checking their text messages?
A VPN isn't just for your computer - Here's why you need a VPN on your router, too
If you aren’t protecting your router, you’re exposing a weak spot for cybercriminals to strike. Don’t be like the millions of people using outdated routers or weak default passwords. That’s right: A study from Comparitech found that one in 16 home Wi-Fi routers use their manufacturer’s default admin password.
The shocking data TikTok collects
When you agree to TikTok’s terms of service after downloading the app, you’re handing communist China the keys to the kingdom. I dug up all the creepy things TikTok tracks and how it does it. Plus, how to quickly find red flags in the terms and conditions.
Quick privacy tip: Task Manager on a Windows PC and Activity Monitor on a Mac can give you an overview of everything happening on your machine. On a PC, hit Ctrl + Shift + Esc. Click the Processes tab. On a Mac, hit Cmd + spacebar to open Spotlight Search. Then, type Activity Monitor and press Enter. See anything weird? Google it before you panic.
What are you doing in there? Open the Google Maps app and tap your profile. Tap Location sharing. If you’re sharing your location with anyone, you’ll see their names here. Tap a profile, then tap Stop to quit sharing with them.
Piece of mind: Colorado just became the first state to pass a brainwave privacy law as part of the Colorado Privacy Act. Any company with mind-reading gadgets needs your consent before snooping through your thoughts. Sounds good, but, in reality, how would we know?
Smart speakers are great: But if you’re worried about accidental (or intentional) eavesdropping, find and use the mic mute and camera shutter buttons on your devices. On an Echo, the light will turn red to indicate the mic is off.
For your eyes only: If you’ve got sensitive pics in your Google Photos collection and you want to make sure they don’t get seen, tap on and hold an image, then pick Move to Locked Folder. Now that photo needs a PIN or fingerprint to view, just like your phone.
Find out which apps are listening: Have an iPhone? Open Settings > Privacy and Security > Microphone. From there, disable the apps you don’t want picking up conversations. On Android, go to your Settings menu and find the Apps Permission Manager. Disable the microphone for any apps you don’t want listening in.
Car companies are collecting data on you — here's how to get it
I talked about this on my show last week and got a ton of questions: Automakers and insurance companies are in cahoots to share data on your driving, hard braking, rapid acceleration and more. That’s why your car insurance probably went up. Mine did.
Take a step: Get yourself off data brokers’ and people-search sites. Use this link to get 60% off right now. Def worth it! I get no more spam calls or texts since I did this.
But at what privacy cost? Your Chase credit card will soon hand over your spending data (paywall link) to advertisers. Say you buy dog food every month. Cue ads for dog owners, whether you’ve opted in or not. The only way to avoid this? Pay cash. Sorry.
Speak your mind: Let me know what privacy-related issues matter to you so I can do a better job for you. One person who completes the survey will win a cool $100 Amazon gift card. Good luck!
Block ads to protect your privacy
I wanted to get something nice for Barry’s birthday, so I splurged on a gorgeous watch. Well, wouldn’t ya know it, like clockwork, my online ads changed. Suddenly, I was seeing fancy espresso machines, expensive face cream and cashmere sweaters all over social and the web.
Is Apple’s new Journal app a major privacy nightmare?
Apple’s new Journal feature is all about capturing those little moments in life right on your iPhone. But posts started blowing up on social media that (oh no!) because of it, anyone can find your full name and location as well as read your deepest thoughts. Yikes.