Online Privacy Settings That Actually Matter for Seniors

Privacy Doesn't Have to Be Complicated

You don't need to become a cybersecurity expert. These are the settings that make the biggest difference with the least effort.

On Your Phone

iPhone

1. Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services — Turn off for apps that don't need it
2. Settings → Privacy & Security → Tracking — Turn OFF "Allow Apps to Request to Track"
3. Settings → Safari → Prevent Cross-Site Tracking — Turn ON

Android

1. Settings → Privacy → Permission Manager — Review which apps access your location, camera, microphone
2. Settings → Privacy → Ads — Opt out of ad personalization
3. Settings → Privacy → Usage & Diagnostics — Turn OFF

On Your Browser

Chrome

1. Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies — Block third-party cookies
2. Settings → Privacy and Security → Clear browsing data — Do this monthly

Safari

1. Settings → Safari → Prevent Cross-Site Tracking — ON
2. Settings → Safari → Block All Cookies — Consider turning ON

On Social Media

Facebook

1. Settings → Privacy → Who can see your posts — Change to "Friends" (not Public)
2. Settings → Privacy → Who can look you up by phone/email — Change to "Friends"
3. Settings → Privacy → Search engines — Turn OFF

General Rules

• Don't accept friend requests from people you don't know
• Don't share your location in posts
• Don't post when you're away from home (post after you return)
• Review your friends list annually

The Most Important Rule

When in doubt, share less. You can always share more later, but you can't take back information once it's online.

Want a personalized privacy checkup? [Book a session with Carl](/services) and we'll review your settings together.