If you’re alive and online, businesses are eager to learn everything about your buying habits. The question is, where are they getting all this information from? Retailers now have the ability to track your purchases in order to influence your future buying decisions. Loyalty programs offer deals in exchange for data on your preferences, frequency of purchases, and what you buy.
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Mobile apps take this tracking a step further. With location tracking enabled, retailers know when you’re in-store — those coupon notifications are no coincidence. If you’re tired of the same old tech news and tips intended for experts, check out our free newsletter, Tech News and Hacks. Join the 579,890 subscribers who want practical tech advice that’s easy to understand. Subscription is a breeze, and you can cancel anytime!
According to Fox News, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth beacons are used to map your movements. Ever connect to free Wi-Fi at a store? That’s the trade-off. Similarly, Bluetooth beacons ping your phone’s Bluetooth to track your path within a store.
Point-of-sale systems record your purchase history and often connect it to an email or phone number you provided. Surveillance cameras in stores serve a purpose beyond catching thieves. Some retailers now use artificial intelligence to analyze your shopping behavior and habits.
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But don’t fret! There are ways to protect your privacy and regain your purchasing power. Follow these tips:
- Uninstall retail apps from your phone. If you can’t bear to part with them, at least disable location permissions.
- Limit the number of loyalty cards you sign up for. The fewer cards you have, the better your privacy. Many cashiers are understanding if you ask to use theirs, so be polite!
- Switch off Bluetooth to prevent tracking by beacons in stores.
- Know your rights. Retailers’ websites and apps usually have a section where you can opt out of specific data collection and sharing methods.
- Turn off your location history in Google. Go to Settings, then click on Privacy and Security. From there, go to Site Settings, tap on Location, and select “Don’t allow sites to see your location.” Also, make sure to delete any previously saved sites.
- Browse using Incognito mode to prevent your browsing history from being stored and reported to ad networks.
- Delete old accounts. Use JustDelete.me to find direct links to delete your accounts on various online services. You can also learn how companies view and handle user data.
- Use a VPN to hide your IP address from retailers. This also works on your phone. ExpressVPN is our top pick.
And you thought your biggest worry was finding a good parking spot! By the way, if you always forget where you parked your car, your maps app can now keep track for you.
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