Hello, Mozilla’s *Privacy Not Included team is on a mission to help you shop smart — and safe — for apps and products that connect to the internet. They’ve been reviewing products and apps since 2017 and have released guides on things like Smart Home Products, Reproductive Health Apps, Mental Health and Prayer Apps, and Pet Products. We know that it is often difficult for consumers to get clear, concrete information from companies about the security and privacy of their connected products. We also know that reading about privacy can sometimes make you feel like you need to go full tin-can-phone analog to stay safe. But fear not! We’re here to share some of our top tips for what you can do to protect yourself. What can you do? 1. Choose products that you can trust (when possible) Read the reviews, we write ‘em just for you! They’ll help you sort through the good, bad, and just okay apps in terms of privacy. In each review you’ll find custom tips on how to use those products and apps in a way that preserves more of your privacy. 2. Limit the information you share Keep your apps and connected products on a strictly need-to-know basis. Where you can, provide less personal information, especially if it won’t improve your experience. Know that things like your answers to super personal surveys and, in some cases, your chat transcripts, might not be private. You can also limit the flow of data that’s often collected automatically, by: Not connecting your socials or using them to sign in. For apps on your phone you can limit access by not giving the app permission to access your camera, microphone, images, or location unless it’s necessary. And in your privacy settings, “Limit ad tracking.” Turning off ad personalization on Google. 3. Practice good cyber hygiene These two are easy wins that can help you preserve more of your privacy by keeping your data secure: Keep your apps and software updated (so that you can benefit as soon as possible when security vulnerabilities are patched). Always choose a strong and unique password. A password manager can help. 4. Ask to have your information deleted Once you stop using the app or product, you can ask the company to delete your data. Usually, if the company is willing to honor your request they will include how-to instructions in their privacy policy, usually found on the company’s website. Read more about how products and apps deal with your privacy online at *Privacy Not Included. Thanks for all you do for the internet Mozilla | 