Complete Digital Privacy Checklist 2025: Protect Your Data Online
Ultimate privacy checklist to secure your personal data. Step-by-step guide to delete accounts, protect privacy, and minimize your digital footprint.
Privacy Priority Areas
- Account Deletion: Remove unused and high-risk accounts
- Data Minimization: Reduce personal information exposure
- Security Settings: Enable maximum privacy protection
- Tracking Prevention: Block advertisers and data brokers
Phase 1: Account Inventory & Risk Assessment
High-Risk Accounts to Delete First
☑️ Social Media Platforms (Highest Privacy Risk)
- Delete Facebook - Extensive tracking, data selling
- Delete Instagram - Photo metadata, location tracking
- Delete TikTok - Foreign data collection concerns
- Delete Twitter/X - Public posts, data breaches
- Delete Snapchat - Location sharing, biometric data
☑️ Data Broker & People Search Sites
- Whitepages: Remove personal information listings
- Spokeo: Opt out of people search results
- BeenVerified: Delete personal records
- Intelius: Remove from background check site
- MyLife: Delete reputation profile
☑️ Old & Unused Accounts
- Shopping sites: Delete from stores you don't use
- Forums & communities: Remove old discussion profiles
- Dating apps: Delete Tinder, Bumble, etc.
- Gaming platforms: Remove unused gaming accounts
- Subscription services: Cancel and delete unused subscriptions
Phase 2: Secure Essential Accounts
Google Account Privacy Lockdown
- ☑️ Delete Google Search History
- ☑️ Delete Google Maps History
- ☑️ Turn off Location History completely
- ☑️ Disable Web & App Activity tracking
- ☑️ Turn off YouTube Watch History
- ☑️ Disable Ad Personalization
- ☑️ Review connected apps and remove unnecessary ones
Apple ID Privacy Settings
- ☑️ Turn off Significant Locations tracking
- ☑️ Disable Siri data sharing
- ☑️ Turn off Analytics & Improvements data sharing
- ☑️ Disable personalized ads
- ☑️ Review App Privacy Report regularly
- ☑️ Use "Hide My Email" for new accounts
Microsoft Account Privacy
- ☑️ Turn off Windows diagnostic data
- ☑️ Disable Cortana data collection
- ☑️ Turn off targeted advertising
- ☑️ Review Microsoft 365 privacy settings
- ☑️ Disable location services for non-essential apps
Phase 3: Browser & Device Privacy
Browser Hardening
- ☑️ Clear all browser history
- ☑️ Enable "Do Not Track" requests
- ☑️ Block third-party cookies
- ☑️ Disable auto-fill for personal information
- ☑️ Use privacy-focused search engine (DuckDuckGo)
- ☑️ Install ad blocker (uBlock Origin)
- ☑️ Enable automatic HTTPS
Mobile Device Privacy
- ☑️ Review all app permissions (location, camera, microphone)
- ☑️ Disable app tracking (iOS) or reset advertising ID (Android)
- ☑️ Turn off Siri/Google Assistant when locked
- ☑️ Disable lock screen notifications for sensitive apps
- ☑️ Use app-specific passwords instead of main password
- ☑️ Enable automatic app updates for security patches
Phase 4: Financial & Shopping Privacy
Payment & Shopping Accounts
- ☑️ Review PayPal privacy settings
- ☑️ Check Venmo transaction privacy
- ☑️ Remove stored credit cards from unused sites
- ☑️ Delete saved addresses from shopping sites
- ☑️ Opt out of marketing emails from retailers
- ☑️ Use virtual credit card numbers when possible
Credit & Financial Monitoring
- ☑️ Freeze credit reports at all three bureaus
- ☑️ Set up fraud alerts on accounts
- ☑️ Review credit reports annually
- ☑️ Monitor bank statements for unauthorized charges
- ☑️ Use separate email for financial accounts
Phase 5: Communication Privacy
Email Privacy
- ☑️ Use alias emails for shopping and signups
- ☑️ Unsubscribe from marketing lists
- ☑️ Enable two-factor authentication on email
- ☑️ Review email forwarding rules
- ☑️ Delete old emails containing sensitive information
Messaging App Security
- ☑️ Enable disappearing messages where available
- ☑️ Turn off read receipts
- ☑️ Disable message backups to cloud services
- ☑️ Review who can add you to groups
- ☑️ Hide "last seen" status from non-contacts
Phase 6: Legal Privacy Rights
GDPR Rights (EU Residents)
- ☑️ Request data deletion from companies
- ☑️ Download your data before deleting accounts
- ☑️ Withdraw consent for data processing
- ☑️ Object to automated decision-making
- ☑️ Request data portability when switching services
CCPA Rights (California Residents)
- ☑️ Opt out of data sales by companies
- ☑️ Request information about data collection
- ☑️ Request deletion of personal information
- ☑️ Non-discrimination for privacy requests
Monthly Privacy Maintenance
Regular Privacy Tasks
- ☑️ Review and delete unnecessary files/photos
- ☑️ Check for new privacy settings on frequently used apps
- ☑️ Monitor accounts for suspicious activity
- ☑️ Update passwords for important accounts
- ☑️ Clear browser data and cookies
- ☑️ Review app permissions and revoke unnecessary ones
Quarterly Deep Clean
- ☑️ Audit all online accounts and delete unused ones
- ☑️ Review data sharing agreements and opt out
- ☑️ Update privacy settings on all platforms
- ☑️ Check for data breaches involving your accounts
- ☑️ Research new privacy tools and services
Privacy Tools & Resources
Essential Privacy Tools
- Password Manager: 1Password, Bitwarden, or Dashlane
- VPN Service: NordVPN, Surfshark, or ProtonVPN
- Secure Browser: Firefox with privacy extensions
- Search Engine: DuckDuckGo or Startpage
- Email Service: ProtonMail or Tutanota
- Two-Factor Auth: Authy or Google Authenticator
Account Deletion Services
- AccountKiller: Database of account deletion instructions
- JustDeleteMe: Direct links to delete accounts
- Deseat.me: Find and delete old accounts
- DeleteYourAccount: Step-by-step deletion guides