Tracking your Meta Data

What if you were told that with a simple click, someone could predict exactly what you were going to do today? Where you will eat, the route or commute path you will choose, when you will buy gas, the stores you will most likely stop at and other personal routine details.

That is the reality behind data mining. Collecting as much digital data on a person while they use certain devices and go about their everyday activities. This concept has been alive and well in search algorithms for years.

The giant web crawlers want to present to you the most relative and accurate search results. TO YOU. They want to learn about your preferences, interactions and likes so that when you search for the term "arms," you are presented with the body part or the gun, based on your history.

More and more users, however, are asking questions about privacy and the invasion thereof. The truth is that there are three options: one, accept, two, try to change or three, limit your digital presence.

Most users don't care that meta data is being collected about them going to Starbucks every day at 9 a.m. Basically, they don't feel threatened. Those that do, should attempt a legal method of questioning the current laws and investigating whether or not regulations are being enforced.

For those that feel threatened, there are a few steps you can take. For starters, use cash. Every time you swipe that card, you are basically checking in and establishing your whereabouts. Vary your routine. Don't drive the same routes or shop at the same stores on a cycle.

Concerned about being tracked online? Want to make sure you are protected? Call Thoughtwire for complete digital reputation management at 800-367-2570.

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