In 2025, each privacy decision you make isn't just about data - it's about power.
Last week, we exposed The AI Privacy Trap. Today, we're giving you the tools to fight back - with clear, intentional steps to protect your digital identity and preserve your personal agency.
Quick Takeaways
Privacy erosion happens through small conveniences we accept daily.
Simple actions can restore control over your digital identity.
Individuals and organizations must reassess their privacy stance.
Why It Matters
In an AI-driven world, privacy isn’t just about protection - it’s about preserving your dignity, autonomy, and freedom. Without privacy, we lose not only control of our data - but control of our lives.
Your strongest privacy tool isn’t software - it’s your choice to take control of your data.
As we shared last week through the LinkedIn case study, even trusted platforms have the potential to exploit your data without meaningful consent. That leads to real-world harm to our fundamental rights and freedoms.
But awareness without action leads to anxiety.
Let’s flip that script - with practical ways to reclaim your digital power.
The 10-Point Privacy Pulse Check: What’s Your Score?
Before you can reclaim your digital power, you need to know how much you've already surrendered.
Take 60 seconds to face your privacy reality:
I know exactly which apps on my phone have access to my location, contacts, and camera.
I've reviewed the privacy settings on my social media accounts in the last 6 months.
I use different passwords for important accounts and update them regularly.
I've opted out of data sharing when given the choice in apps and services.
I understand how my smart home devices collect and use my data.
I've requested a copy of my data from at least one major platform I use.
I regularly clear my browsing history and cookies.
I use privacy-focused alternatives when available (e.g., search engines, browsers).
I use two-factor authentication (2FA) on key accounts like email and banking.
I've removed unnecessary third-party app permissions from my Google or social accounts.
Your Score:
0 – 3 checks: High vulnerability: Your digital power is seriously compromised
4 – 6 checks: Moderate awareness: You’ve taken some steps, but gaps remain
7 – 10 checks: Privacy-minded: You’re actively protecting your digital power
Don’t worry if your score is lower than you'd like. The good news? Reclaiming privacy doesn’t require technical skills - just intentional choices.
Your 5-Point Privacy Reclamation Plan
Choose just one this week - and take action.
1. Conduct a Personal Data Audit
What to do: List every app, service, and device collecting your information. Ask: "If this were a person, would I trust them with this much about me?"
Quick start: Check which apps have access to your location. Revoke any that don’t truly need it.
Example: A fitness app’s location tracking exposed secret military bases - just by mapping users’ jogging routes.
2. Implement Privacy by Default
What to do: Default to “no” for all permissions. Enable only when the benefit is clear and necessary.
Quick start: Next time you download an app, deny all permissions. Re-enable only what’s needed for specific features.
Example: A “free” flashlight app collected and sold precise user locations to data brokers - without users knowing.
3. Create Digital Boundaries
What to do: Designate specific devices or accounts for sensitive activities - separate from everyday use.
Quick start: Use a different browser for financial transactions and regularly clear cookies on your main browser.
Example: A retailer’s AI predicted a teen’s pregnancy and sent coupons - revealing it to her family before she had the chance to do so.
4. Demand Algorithmic Transparency
What to do: When AI impacts you, ask what data was used and how it shaped the outcome.
Quick start: Received a recommendation? Ask the company what data informed it.
Example: AI hiring systems quietly screened out qualified candidates based on old or biased social media data.
5. Exercise Your Deletion Rights
What to do: Pick one old account this week. Request full deletion, not just deactivation.
Quick start: Search your inbox for “welcome to” or “your account” emails - then act.
Example: “Deleted” photos were still being sold by data brokers - years after users shut down their accounts.
In the end, reclaiming your digital power isn’t just a privacy issue - it’s a human dignity issue. AI must serve humanity, not the other way around.
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The Regulatory Landscape: Know Your Rights
Privacy isn't just a personal choice - it's protected by law in many jurisdictions:
GDPR (EU): Grants rights to access, rectify, and erase your data
CCPA/CPRA (California): Provides rights to know, delete, and opt-out of data sales
PIPEDA (Canada): Requires consent for collection and disclosure of personal information
LGPD (Brazil): Like GDPR with provisions for data subject rights
Quick start: Visit one major platform you use regularly and exercise your right to download your data under the regulations that govern such platform.
Example: Using GDPR rights, researchers in the EU discovered companies were retaining and using data they claimed to have deleted - leading to significant fines.
Over to You!
Choose just ONE of the five steps above and complete it this week. Then hit reply and tell us: What did you discover when you started reclaiming your digital power? We read every email and value your insights.
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Till next time, stay curious and committed to AI 4 Good!
Josephine and the Skills4Good AI Team
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