Everyday Privacy
Practical default settings for the software and devices you already use - just straightforward guidance you can revisit any time.
Browsers
- Brave
Reasonable default settings for Brave's own surfaces: Rewards, sponsored content, Leo AI, and telemetry. Shields already handles trackers.
- DuckDuckGo Browser
Reasonable privacy-focused default settings for the DuckDuckGo browser app on iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows, an app with unusually little to change out of the box.
- Google Chrome
Reasonable privacy-focused default settings for Google Chrome on desktop and mobile.
- Mozilla Firefox
Reasonable privacy-focused default settings for Mozilla Firefox on desktop and mobile.
- Microsoft Edge
Reasonable privacy-focused default settings for Microsoft Edge on desktop and mobile.
- Apple Safari
Reasonable privacy-focused default settings for Apple Safari on macOS and iOS.
Operating Systems
- Android 17
Reasonable privacy-focused default settings for Android 17 on supported devices.
- Apple iOS 27
Reasonable privacy-focused default settings for Apple iOS 27 on iPhone, including the new Siri AI.
- macOS Golden Gate
Reasonable privacy-focused default settings for macOS 27 Golden Gate, including the new Siri AI.
- Microsoft Windows 10
Reasonable privacy-focused default settings for Microsoft Windows 10, now past end of support.
- Microsoft Windows 11
Reasonable privacy-focused default settings for Microsoft Windows 11.
Accounts
- Amazon Account
Reasonable privacy-focused default settings for your Amazon Account, Alexa, and related services.
- Apple Account
Reasonable privacy-focused default settings for your Apple Account and iCloud services.
- Google Account
Reasonable privacy-focused default settings for your Google Account.
- Microsoft Account
Reasonable privacy-focused default settings for your Microsoft Account and related services.
- Meta (Facebook & Instagram)
Reasonable privacy-focused default settings for your Meta account across Facebook and Instagram.
Apps
- Discord
Reasonable privacy-focused default settings for Discord on desktop and mobile.
- Facebook & Messenger
Reasonable privacy-focused default settings for Facebook and Messenger on mobile.
- Google Maps
Reasonable privacy-focused default settings for Google Maps on mobile.
- Instagram
Reasonable privacy-focused default settings for Instagram on mobile.
- LinkedIn
Reasonable privacy-focused default settings for LinkedIn on web and mobile.
- Netflix
Reasonable privacy-focused default settings for Netflix on web and mobile.
- Reddit
Reasonable privacy-focused default settings for Reddit on web and mobile.
- Signal
Reasonable privacy-focused default settings for Signal on mobile and desktop.
- Snapchat
Reasonable privacy-focused default settings for Snapchat on mobile.
- Spotify
Reasonable privacy-focused default settings for Spotify on desktop and mobile.
- Telegram
Reasonable privacy-focused default settings for Telegram on mobile.
- WhatsApp
Reasonable privacy-focused default settings for WhatsApp on mobile.
- TikTok
Reasonable privacy-focused default settings for TikTok on mobile.
- Temu (and similar shopping apps)
Reasonable privacy-focused default settings for Temu and similar cross-border shopping apps.
- X (Twitter)
Reasonable privacy-focused default settings for X (formerly Twitter) on web and mobile.
- YouTube
Reasonable privacy-focused default settings for YouTube on mobile.
- Zoom
Reasonable privacy-focused default settings for Zoom on desktop and mobile.
AI Assistants
- ChatGPT
Reasonable privacy-focused default settings for ChatGPT, including the "Improve the model for everyone" opt-out, ad personalization on Free and Go, memory, and connected apps.
- Claude
Reasonable privacy-focused default settings for Claude, including the model-training opt-out, memory, Incognito chats, and how retention windows change based on your choices.
- Google Gemini
Reasonable privacy-focused default settings for Google Gemini, including the Keep Activity setting, the separate audio and Live opt-in, and reviewing connected apps.
- Grok (X)
Reasonable privacy-focused default settings for Grok on X and in the Grok app, including how to turn off the default-on training toggles.
- Meta AI
Reasonable privacy-focused default settings for Meta AI, including how your AI chats feed ads, keeping prompts private in the Meta AI app, and who can object to AI training.
- Windows Recall & Copilot
Reasonable privacy-focused default settings for Windows Recall and Copilot in Windows, including how to confirm Recall is off and remove it entirely.
Devices
- Amazon Alexa & Echo
Alexa and Echo privacy settings for Alexa+ in 2026: voice recordings and transcripts, Voice ID, human review, Follow-Up Mode, Sidewalk and the mute button.
- Amazon Fire TV
Fire TV privacy settings for sticks, the Cube and Fire TV smart TVs: automatic content recognition, app and device usage data, interest-based ads, and the 2026 ACR lawsuit.
- Ring
Ring doorbell and camera privacy settings for late 2026: the new TAKE encryption, optional end-to-end encryption, Search Party, Familiar Faces, police requests and shared users.
- LG TV
LG webOS TV privacy settings after the September 2026 Gamers Nexus findings: voice and standby listening, Live Plus (ACR), ads, network scanning, and how to delete what LG holds.
- Roku
Roku privacy settings for players and Roku TVs: Smart TV Experience (ACR), Content Viewing Disclosure, Personalized Ads, microphone access, and the 2026 state lawsuits.
- Samsung TV
Samsung Tizen TV privacy settings: Viewing Information Services (ACR), interest-based ads, Voice Wake-up and the TV's microphone switch, plus the 2026 Texas settlement.
Have a quick question instead? Try Answers for short, honest takes on specific privacy questions, or run through the 10-minute privacy checkup for the highest-impact settings across your phone, browser, and accounts.