In this blog post, you will learn tips for maintaining your privacy online when you are surfing the web and reading your email. Let’s review how to keep your data safe!
There is a saying that if you are not paying for a service, you are the product. This is a little simplistic, because sometimes even if you are paying for something, your data is still the product. People often don’t read the documentation that they agree to when they start to use a new app or website. Even if they did, they might not understand the nuance of what personal data the app or website is collecting and how it is being used.
Let’s explore email, browsing, and search tools that help protect your privacy and reduce how much of your personal information is tracked online.
Email and Privacy options
Most free email services like Gmail or Outlook scan your email content, not to sell your data directly, but to offer smart features or improve their services. Still, this means machines are reading your messages. And while we all click through the terms of service, rarely do we read them; they are jargon by nature. For a brief example, check out Terms of Service – Didn’t Read (todsr.org)’s website rating on what we agree to when we use Google for Gmail or any of Google’s services. It’s not inherently malicious, but it may surprise you what privacy rights you cede for convenience; its always a careful balance between ease of use and privacy.
If you want a more private option, try an email provider that promises not to track or scan your messages.
Two good privacy-focused email providers:
Proton Mail
- Based in Switzerland with strong privacy laws
- Free tier available, with paid upgrades
- End-to-end encryption
- Works with web browsers and mobile apps
If you prefer using a service that is explicitly more private than that, you may try something like Hey.
Hey.com
- Costs about $100/year
- No ads, no tracking
- Emails only available through the Hey app or website
- Built around user control—senders must ask permission to appear in your inbox
These providers don’t sell your data and don’t show you ads.
Web Browsing and Privacy
All modern browsers offer a private browsing mode, also called Incognito or Private Mode. This prevents your browser from saving your history, cookies, or search terms during a session.
But for ongoing privacy, you may want a browser designed for privacy from the start.
Privacy-friendly Web Browsers
Brave
- Blocks ads and trackers by default
- Includes private search and even a built-in VPN (in some versions)
- Looks and feels like Chrome
Firefox
- Run by Mozilla, a nonprofit organization
- Offers Enhanced Tracking Protection and private windows
- Works well on all devices
Safari (on Mac and iPhone)
- Now includes a setting to always use private browsing
- To turn this on:
- Open Safari on your Mac
- Click Safari > Settings
- Go to the General tab
- Next to “Safari opens with,” select A new private window
When you use common search engines like Google, your searches and clicks are saved. This is how you end up seeing ads for something you searched for earlier.
If you’d prefer to search without being tracked, try a private search engine.
Searching the Web
When you use common search engines like Google, your searches and clicks are saved. This is how you end up seeing ads for something you searched for earlier.
If you’d prefer to search without being tracked, try a private search engine.
Good private search options:
- DuckDuckGo
- Doesn’t track you
- Shows some ads, but not based on your data
- Can be used with any browser—just go to duckduckgo.com
- Startpage
- Gives you Google’s results—but without the tracking
- Based in the Netherlands, with strong privacy protections
- No personalized ads or search history saved
Summary
When it comes to privacy when using the web, you have more choices than ever. You can mix and match tools based on what’s most important to you.
Use Proton Mail or Hey.com for email that stays private.
Try Brave, Firefox, or Safari with private browsing turned on.
Search using DuckDuckGo or Startpage to avoid tracking.
These tools aren’t the only ones out there, but they offer a strong foundation. Whether you’re exploring how an ad blocker can reduce tracking or considering a VPN for more secure browsing, the goal is the same: protecting your personal information. In a world where data is currency, it’s worth pausing to decide what you’re willing to share—and with whom. You have the right to privacy.
If you have questions or need help getting started, call us! All our help is free.