How to Lower My Digital Footprint

Internet usage is similar to wading through a puddle of mud.

22:50 03 April 2023

Internet usage is similar to wading through a puddle of mud. Every step in the digital world leaves a trace that others can follow. While this makes maintaining contact with people globally easier, it also compromises your security and confidentiality while using the internet. Some individuals find out about this and decide they no longer want any connection to the internet. It's easier to say than to accomplish that goal. 

There is no escaping from the fact that we live in a highly interconnected society. The internet is essential for many daily tasks, such as searching for a new job, maintaining personal relationships, locating a company's physical location, and more. Instead of completely disconnecting, you can decrease your digital imprint. Here's how to proceed: 

Exercising Restraint in Sharing Personal Information

There are a variety of websites that require you to submit information via completely voluntary forms. This is particularly pertinent for profiles on professional networking sites like LinkedIn and Facebook. But, the greater your online presence, the more likely your privacy may be compromised. In cases where providing the information is voluntary, be as brief as possible.

Use a VPN

Using a virtual private network, or VPN adds a degree of protection and anonymity. It lessens the possibility that websites monitor your movements and acquire personal information. One can choose from a variety of readily accessible VPNs. However, when gambling, UK players no longer have to use VPN to access limitless gambling; instead, they can play at bingo sites that bypass Gamstop restrictions and get a little more thrill than the usual bingo and gambling sites. 

Removing Inactive Accounts

When registering online, most accounts need you to provide personal information like your name, profile picture, and email address. While this verifies your human identity, it also exposes your data. It is essential to clear your browser's cache and cookies afterward to protect your personal information.

If you no longer wish for information associated with a particular account to be publicly accessible, you should delete it. It would help if you noted any other obsolete accounts (Tumblr, MSN, etc.) you own so you can remove them. 

Unsubscribe From Email Lists

Occasionally, we accidentally subscribe to dozens or even hundreds of mailing lists. Most individuals, however, ignore the vast majority of the newsletters they get. You may lessen your online footprint and limit the number of organizations accessing your data by opting out of mailing lists you don't read.

Double-Check Your Security Settings

Doing this on social media platforms is crucial, where you aim to make new connections with other individuals. Even if all you want to do is keep in contact with your family and friends, you can only accomplish this if your data is out in the open because of correct privacy settings. Verify your accounts to ensure that only the individuals you would like to view your data may access it.

Close Down Inactive Email Accounts

Different email accounts are something that many individuals have utilized at some point in their life. Email services have changed significantly over the years, from Hotmail to Gmail, and many users have abandoned their old accounts in favor of the newer ones. Removing an inactive account entirely is preferable to just leaving it that way. Our previous emails may include sensitive information or personal facts about us. Leaving an account unmonitored makes it more difficult to determine if it, too, has been compromised. Instead of allowing them to pose a threat to you, remove them.

Final Thoughts

Due to the pervasive nature of the internet in modern life, minimizing one's digital imprint is not always a realistic option. You can exercise discretion over the digital footprint you leave behind by being selective about the sites you frequent, removing inactive accounts, and exercising restraint in sharing personal information.