Tips to Protect Your Online Privacy from Internet Surveillance

Internet surveillance is constant and almost unavoidable. Every action you take online, from a simple Google search to liking a photo on Facebook, is tracked, analyzed, and stored in a digital record that is not only a gold mine for advertisers, but can also be targeted by governments.

But internet monitoring goes beyond ad targeting. It's also used to tweak social media platforms' algorithms to only show you certain content.

This can lead to subtle, almost invisible manipulations of your behavior, from buying a product to supporting someone else's point of view. In essence, Internet surveillance is a serious threat to your personal freedom and independence.

What is Internet Monitoring?

Internet monitoring is the process of tracking and recording your every online activity, from the websites you visit, TikTok videos or Facebook Reels you watch, to your link clicks or your search history. In fact, the list is much longer, because almost every action on the internet leaves a trace and can be collected.

Why does internet surveillance exist? In some cases, governments use surveillance to ensure national security, similar to the way real-life CCTV cameras help detect crime. However, digital surveillance is much more complex and sophisticated.

As American scholar Shoshana Zuboff has analyzed in her research on "surveillance capitalism", she argues that Internet surveillance rarely serves the purpose of protecting users.

Instead, it has become a tool for technology corporations like Google, Meta or TikTok to collect personal data to optimize profits. Your data is not only tracked but also exploited and sold, turning you into part of a giant money-making machine.

TheimageawakesupervisorInternet surveillance

In theory, anyone with an internet connection can search for and gather information about you if they are patient and know how to search. Social media profiles are not uncommon, you can even try Googling your name to see what is publicly available.

When it comes to mass Internet surveillance, however, individual actors are not the primary concern. Governments, tech giants, and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) hold the power and conduct the bulk of surveillance.

1. Government oversight

You've probably asked yourself, "Is the government spying on me?" The answer is yes. In real life, you might see CCTV cameras on the street, but online surveillance is much more sophisticated.

Most governments around the world have security agencies that collect data on their citizens, with the most common reasons being for national or international security.

However, the real motives may be more complicated. For example, in 2013, Edward Snowden revealed how the US National Security Agency (NSA) conducted a large-scale surveillance program on US citizens.

It's not easy to pinpoint exactly how the government is tracking your internet activity these days. But one thing is certain, the vast majority of the data the government collects isn't collected directly by the government, but is purchased or sourced from tech giants and data brokers.

American journalist Steven Overly said that there are a series of anonymous companies that collect, analyze and store Internet user data, then sell it not only to advertisers but also to the government.

2. Monitoringfrom business

Much of the surveillance on the internet is in the hands of big tech companies like Google, Meta, TikTok, and most other social media platforms. These are the “big guys” behind the scenes collecting your data.

These companies have countless ways to track you online. Some are simple, like cookies, browsing history, or location tracking. But some tactics are much more sophisticated. Every time you click on an ad, “like” a post, or even watch a video for a few seconds, you’re giving away more data about your interests, behaviors, and habits.

Trackers can record everything from the device you use, the contents of your shopping cart, to how long you watch a video before scrolling away.

Additionally, corporations employ a tactic called dark patterns, sophisticated interface designs that are designed to steer you in a direction that benefits them, often forcing you to provide additional data without you even realizing it.

For example, pre-ticked boxes that allow you to receive promotional emails, or cookie windows with a more prominent "Accept all" option than the individual settings option, are all designed to make you unconsciously click the option that's convenient for the business.

3. Monitoring from Internet Service Provider (ISP)

Another form of Internet monitoring is monitoring by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Similar to technology corporations, ISPs have the ability and often collect and store all of your online activities, including your search and browsing history.

This data is not only used internally, but can also be sold to third parties, such as advertising companies or even government agencies.

Depending on the laws in each country, ISPs may be required to store user information for a certain period of time and provide that data to the authorities upon request.

In other words, even if you don't use social media or services from major tech corporations, your ISP can still track your every online activity, turning your browsing history into an exploitable commodity.

How to avoid being monitored onInternet?

Being monitored while using the Internet may seem inevitable, but in reality, you can significantly reduce the amount of data that organizations can collect about you.

While it's impossible to completely erase your digital footprint, with the right measures, you can make your online life more private and secure.

Here are three effective ways to help you limit online tracking.

1. Usevirtual private network

A virtual private network (VPN) creates a secure, encrypted connection between your device and the internet. This hides your real IP address, making it impossible for internet service providers and websites to track your browsing activity.

While they can still tell you’re using a VPN, they can’t see what you’re doing. Some VPNs even have features like ad blocking, anti-tracking protection, and virtual location changes.

2. Use secure search engines

Popular search engines like Google track your search history to build an advertising profile. If you want to protect your privacy, switch to privacy-focused search engines like DuckDuckGo, Startpage, or Brave Search.

3. Enable End-to-End Encryption

End-to-end encryption ensures that only the sender and recipient can read the message content, not even the service provider can decrypt it.

Most popular messaging apps like iMessage, Signal, and WhatsApp have this feature, but it's not always enabled by default. Check your settings to make sure all your important conversations are encrypted.

Habits that help protect online privacy

In addition to using the tools above, you should also maintain some habits that help protect your personal data. Here are some important tips that you can apply today.

1. Always keep your software and anti-virus software updated

Regular software updates help protect you from security holes and malware. Hackers often exploit old vulnerabilities to break into your device, so keeping your operating system, browser, and antivirus software up to date is essential.

2. Be careful when using public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi at coffee shops, airports, and hotels can be ideal environments for hackers to carry out data theft attacks. When connecting to public Wi-Fi,:

- Avoid logging into your bank account or sensitive information.

- Always turn on VPN when using public Wi-Fi.

- Turn off automatic Wi-Fi connection feature on your phone.

3. Read the privacy policy before agreeing

Every time you create an account or accept cookies on a website, you are inadvertently giving away your personal information. While privacy policies are often long and complex, it’s worth looking through the important sections to understand what kind of data is being collected? Who will have access to your data? Will your data be sold to third parties?

In short, no one can be completely invisible on the Internet, but with the above measures, you can significantly reduce the amount of personal data collected. By using a VPN, a secure search engine, end-to-end encryption, and maintaining safe habits, you will have a more private and secure online experience.