A Practical Privacy Review for Your Accounts and Devices

Start with an account inventory

Choose an account or device you actively use. Find its current privacy and security settings through the official app or site. Do not install an unfamiliar cleaner or supply identity documents through a deletion offer sent unexpectedly.

Sources: FTC: People search sites that sell your information; FTC: How to recognize and avoid phishing scams

Ask specific questions

Controls vary by service and jurisdiction. A setting may affect future collection without removing old records or copies held elsewhere.

1. Review app permissions, location sharing and connected accounts.
2. Look for current advertising, retention and deletion controls.
3. Save confirmation of important requests and note any stated limitations.
4. Use the service’s official support route if the instructions are unclear.

Sources: FTC: A Look Behind the Screens: September 2024 report; FTC: People search sites that sell your information

Keep safety separate from a privacy checklist

If someone may be monitoring you, seek safety-planning support before changing access in ways they could notice. For identity misuse or exposed credentials, use the relevant recovery process rather than assuming an opt-out fixes the harm.

Sources: NNEDV Safety Net Project: Technology safety planning; FTC: What to know about identity theft