How do I stop AT&T from tracking my phone?
Like all other large cell phone service providers, AT&T Internet retains customer location and usage information for numerous reasons. Although this can have advantages such as better advertisement targeting or better services, for most users it also comes with privacy issues.
If you want to minimize AT&T's tracking of your phone, here are some steps you can take
1. Opt out of AT&T's Relevant Advertising program:
This program tracks your usage and location to present to you advertisements related to your usage patterns. Locate the “Relevant Advertising” option and go to your AT&T account setting. The check mark to the left of this line enables this tracking; unchecking this box disables it.
2. Limit ad tracking in your device settings:
Usually, every contemporary smartphone comes with options allowing you to regulate ad tracking on your device. Navigate to Settings/Privacy/Advertising on your iPhone and switch on "Limit Ad Tracking." To activate "Opt out of ads personalizing" on Android devices, visit Settings / Google/advertisements.
3. Be cautious of third-party apps:
Some apps help advertisers locate you and track your usage on their behalf. When adding new applications, be very careful and read the privacy policies of each app. Stay away from applications that solicit your sensitive information without your permission. Background app refresh should also be limited.
4. Use a VPN:
A reliable VPN can also reduce the data collection as your web browsing behavior will be encrypted and your IP address will be disguised. Just do some research and choose a good VPN that respects the user’s privacy two VPNs to consider are Tunnelbear and Norton Secure.
5. Adjust location settings:
With most phones, you can turn off location services for individual applications or on again when the application is in use. It also allows the use of some critical applications such as maps while restricting location tracking.
6. Opt out of AT&T's Customer Proprietary Network Information sales:
Some of the data collected by CPNI include call records and these are sold to third parties by AT&T. You have to dial 611 from an AT&T phone to opt-out.
7. Avoid linking accounts and profiles:
If possible, do not mingle with various social media profiles that you use for different purposes. For instance, do not use your AT&T user identification and password to gain access to applications or associate your AT&T identity with third-party applications or services unless it is strictly necessary.
8. Use AT&T call and data controls:
The MyAT&T app enables you to pause lines, set monthly allowances, block international calls, and many other things. These controls can reduce instances where your usage is monitored excessively.
9. Limit the use of AT&T Wi-Fi hotspots:
This means that exactly like any other Internet Service Provider, AT&T can monitor all traffic passing through the public Wi-Fi hotspots. If one has to connect or send personal information through these networks then use a VPN.
10. Read AT&T's privacy policy:
Learn precisely just what information AT&T gathers, how it utilizes it, and to whom it offers it. This will enable you to come up with better decisions on your privacy. You can also view their privacy policy on their website or write to them to obtain written copies.
Although for the common consumer, AT&T and other carriers make it challenging to minimize tracking, being conscious of your data and wary of privacy policies can lessen unwanted tracking of your daily activities through your phone. Think of how much tracking you are comfortable with and modify the steps above to reclaim more control.
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