Privacy Archives - Rick's Daily Tips

How (and why) to stop mobile apps from tracking your location

Posted on February 21, 2026

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Did you know that at least some of the apps on your phone are probably tracking your location even if the app doesn’t need location data in order to perform the task it was intended for.

Of course a Maps app has a legitimate need to track your location, for obvious reasons.

So does an app that keeps you up-to-date on where to buy the cheapest gasoline in the area you happen to be driving through. [Read more…]

How to see which Android apps have access to your Contacts (and optionally revoke it)

Posted on January 6, 2026

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If you have a smartphone or tablet, you’re probably aware that the apps on your device have permission to access certain features and caches of info that are present on the device.

While it’s true that you have the option to revoke most any permission that an app might claim for itself, do you actually take the time to review your apps’ permissions and revoke the ones the apps really don’t need in order to perform their stated functions?

If you’re like most folks, the answer is probably no. [Read more…]

Stop your PC from logging your computing activity and sending it to Microsoft

Posted on December 22, 2025

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Did you know your Windows 11 PC is logging every action you take, storing it in a database and sending it back to Microsoft?

Yep, every website you visit, every app you use, every game you play, every file you open…all of that data is collected, stored and sent to Microsoft for them to use for various purposes.

If this collection, transmission and usage of your detailed computing activities makes you a bit squeamish, you’re certainly not alone. I’m right there with you. [Read more…]

Windows Users: Lock down your privacy with Microsoft’s ‘Privacy Dashboard’

Posted on December 20, 2025

As you probably know by now, Microsoft designed Windows 10 and Windows 11 to be quite intrusive when it comes to your privacy.

By default, the operating system collects all sorts of sensitive user data and stores it on your PC’s hard drive and/or sends it back to Microsoft via the Internet.

Luckily, most of Windows’ “spying” can be either mitigated somewhat or disabled completely if you know where to look for the various settings. [Read more…]