The Mobile Privacy Problem
Smartphones are the most invasive surveillance devices ever created. They track your location 24/7, record your communications, monitor your behavior, and collect data for hundreds of companies.
Constant Location Tracking
GPS, cell towers, WiFi triangulation, Bluetooth beacons
App Data Collection
Apps access contacts, photos, microphone, location
Advertising IDs
Unique identifiers tracking you across apps
Essential Settings
Location
- Disable location services when not needed
- Review app location permissions (set to "While Using")
- Disable location history/timeline features
- Turn off WiFi/Bluetooth scanning
Advertising
- Reset advertising ID regularly
- Opt out of personalized ads
- Disable ad tracking (iOS: "Allow Apps to Request to Track" = off)
Permissions
- Deny camera/microphone unless essential
- Deny contacts access to most apps
- Review permissions regularly
- Uninstall unused apps
Privacy-Respecting Apps
Signal
Encrypted messaging
MessagingFirefox Focus
Privacy browser
BrowserDuckDuckGo
Private search
SearchOsmAnd
Offline maps
MapsBitwarden
Password manager
SecurityScrambled Exif
Remove photo metadata
PrivacyAdvanced Options
GrapheneOS
Privacy-focused Android for Pixel phones. Strongest mobile privacy available.
CalyxOS
Privacy Android with microG for Google apps compatibility.
Burner Phone
Prepaid phone with cash, no personal data, for sensitive activities.
Daily Practices
- Keep phone updated with latest security patches
- Use strong PIN/password (not biometrics for sensitive use)
- Enable full disk encryption
- Don't connect to unknown WiFi networks
- Airplane mode for sensitive meetings
- Leave phone at home for truly private activities
Remember: Any smartphone is a tracking device. For maximum privacy, leave it behind.