If you want to make real progress in your data privacy, you must do something about your Google and Facebook use. Google is now tracking you on 76% of websites, with Facebook lurking on about a quarter.[1] The data they collect as you browse the web, combined with your search history, likes, and other information, leads to huge personal profiles that are used to target invasive ads at you across the Internet. They also are used with sophisticated AI algorithms to put you in the Google and Facebook Filter Bubble, in which both companies show you biased results based on what they think you want to see, filtering out things like opposing viewpoints. Here's what you can do: • Get the DuckDuckGo browser extension and mobile app that blocks Google and Facebook trackers across the Internet along with other privacy essentials: https://duckduckgo.com/app • We've compiled a list of alternatives to Google services including Gmail, Chrome and Google Search: https://spreadprivacy.com/how-to-remove-google/ • While Facebook is harder to leave, it's worth trying to live without Facebook, freeing yourself from their invasive ads and the Facebook Filter Bubble. With these two steps — switching away from Google and Facebook and blocking their hidden trackers across the Internet — you can really start to take back your privacy online. The complete loss of your online privacy is not an inevitiability. [1] https://webtransparency.cs.princeton.edu/webcensus/ ***FULL TRANSCRIPT*** Hi, my name is Gabriel Weinberg, and I'm the founder of DuckDuckGo, the Internet privacy company. Today is Data Privacy Day, and I have some good news and some bad news. Here's the bad news. Two big companies – Google and Facebook – are collecting unprecedented amounts of your personal data. You probably know that there are trackers on most websites you visit, soaking up your personal information. What you may not know, though, is that Google runs trackers on 76% of websites, and Facebook on nearly a quarter. That means, that for every site you visit on the Internet, Google or Facebook is probably watching you. Add this your Google search history and Facebook likes, and it is no wonder why the Internet feels so broken today. Google and Facebook collect all this information to create profiles about you. These digital profiles are then offered to the highest bidder, through invasive ads that follow you around everywhere. And, your profiles are also used inside their services to bias links towards what they think you're most likely to click on, putting you in an echo chamber. This filter bubble has the effect of increasing societal polarization, which is bad for everyone. I do have some good news for you though. The good news is that, yes, you really can take back your privacy online. It's a two-step process. Step One. Use a product that blocks all their hidden trackers. DuckDuckGo offers one for free for all major browsers and devices. Step Two. Make a decision to live a Google and Facebook free life. I've been doing it myself for many years, and we hear from people every day who are taking this important step. You can switch to more private alternatives, like DuckDuckGo for search. There are also alternatives for Gmail, Chrome, and other Google services. Getting off Facebook can be a little more difficult, especially now that they own Instagram and WhatsApp. But, it is possible to live Facebook-free. If you want to make real progress about protecting your data privacy, you must do something about your Google and Facebook use. With these two steps – blocking Google and Facebook trackers, and switching away from their services – you will really start to take back your privacy online. Happy Data Privacy Day from DuckDuckGo.
