Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s get into Practical Skills and Strategies to help you stay safe and maintain control over your personal information online.

1. Privacy Strategies: Setting Boundaries and Managing App Permissions

Your data is valuable, and every app or website you interact with collects some level of personal information. The key is to set boundaries and control what you share. This is especially important for people from marginalized communities, who are often more vulnerable to data exploitation or surveillance.

Start by asking yourself: What do I want this app or service to know about me? It’s important to be mindful of the information you provide, whether it’s your location, photos, or personal details like your phone number or home address. Here are some steps you can take to protect your privacy:

• Check app permissions: Many apps request access to your location, camera, contacts, and microphone, but they don’t always need it to function. Review and limit what permissions you give.some text
  • On iPhones: Go to Settings > Privacy & Security ll
  • On Android: Navigate to Settings > Security & Privacy > Permissions Manager
• Be cautious with your personal data: Whether it’s on social media or dating apps, think twice before sharing personal information like your real-time location, your job title, or your children’s photos. This is particularly important in communities that are often subject to surveillance or targeted marketing.
• Respect others’ privacy: Privacy is a collective effort. Always get consent before tagging people on social media or sharing someone’s contact information. This is especially important for individuals who may be more vulnerable to online exploitation, like immigrants or people from marginalized racial communities.

 2. Scam Identification and Protection

We’ve discussed some common scams, but it’s important to be able to spot new ones. The internet is constantly evolving, and so are scammers’ tactics. Some communities, particularly those with less access to digital literacy, are disproportionately targeted by scammers, including immigrant populations or low-income individuals who may be searching for jobs or quick financial relief. Here are some ways you can protect yourself:

• Be wary of unsolicited messages: Whether it’s an email, a text, or a social media DM, if you weren’t expecting it, treat it with caution. Messages that ask for personal details or include links are a red flag.
• Verify before you click: If you receive a link, double-check the source. For example, if your bank sends a link, make sure the URL is accurate (e.g., chase.com instead of chase.net). Scammers often use URLs that are slightly altered to appear legitimate.
• Real-life example: Imagine you receive an email saying you’ve won a prize or there’s an urgent security issue with your account. Before clicking, check for signs of phishing: bad grammar, urgent language, or unfamiliar links. Always verify the sender’s identity through another method (e.g., calling your bank directly).
• Scams evolve, so should you: Scams that exploit emerging technology, like deepfakes, are becoming more common. Deepfakes use AI to create realistic fake videos or audio recordings, tricking people into thinking they're real. Marginalized communities are particularly at risk when these technologies are used to spread disinformation or fraud. Stay skeptical when something seems off, especially when it comes to requests for money or personal details.
• Use the BBB Anti-Scams Tools: To further enhance your ability to recognize and report scams, consider utilizing the resources offered by our partners at the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Institute. Their Anti-Scam tools provide up-to-date information on new scam tactics and advice on how to protect yourself and your community from fraudulent activities. Visit their website to access these resources and stay one step ahead of scammers. BBB Anti-Scam Prevention.

3. Navigating Social Media: Protecting Your Digital Footprint

Social media is a great way to stay connected, but it’s also a place where you leave behind a digital footprint. Here’s how you can manage it safely:

• Limit what you share publicly: Don’t post about where you are in real-time. For example, wait until you’ve left a restaurant or vacation spot to post. This prevents people from tracking your exact movements, a risk that can be heightened for those in vulnerable communities, such as women, LGBTQ+ individuals, or immigrants who are more often targeted for online harassment or doxxing.
• Create separate accounts: If you want to share personal moments, consider having a professional account for work and networking, and a personal one for close friends and family. Keeping these worlds separate helps protect your privacy, particularly for individuals in marginalized groups who may face more online scrutiny.
• Use Block Party App: For additional control over what you see and what you share on social media, consider using the Block Party App. This tool helps you filter out unwanted interactions and content, enhancing your privacy and security online. It’s especially useful for those who face harassment or unwanted contact on social media platforms. Learn more and get the app here.
• Private vs. Public Settings: Privacy settings are a powerful way to control who can see your posts, your personal information, and your activity. Making your account private or limiting certain information can make it harder for scammers or malicious actors to find and exploit your data. But remember, privacy doesn’t always mean security. Just because your profile is private doesn’t mean you’re automatically safe from cyber threats like phishing or hacking. That’s why being secure is non-negotiable.some text
  • Privacy is a choice—some people might want to keep their profiles open for professional reasons or to engage with a larger audience, and that’s completely valid. But security requires taking essential steps like using multi-factor authentication, strong passwords, and keeping software up to date. No matter how public or private your account is, security measures are critical to staying safe.

Remember your digital footprint lasts: Everything you post can be screenshotted or recorded. Before sharing something personal or sensitive, think about how it might be used by someone else. For individuals from vulnerable communities, the lasting nature of digital content can have serious real-world consequences.