Google privacy settings — check how you’re tracked

Another go at this topic, this time by PC World. The Google ecosytem is impressive, with devices and services which we use on a daily basis. Lots of services: search, contacts, calendar, web browsing, etc. Google Assistant, the digital personal assistant (butler). Lots of Google apps on our Android-powered smartphones. Google programs on our notebook… Continue reading Google privacy settings — check how you’re tracked

Mute web page videos — Apple Safari Auto-Play settings

Safari > Preferences > Websites > Auto-Play and audio for web site videos The other day a client thought that her built-in (internal) Apple computer’s speakers weren’t working. Well, more specifically, on her favorite news site,  posted videos were playing without sound — muted. Her iMac recently had been upgraded to the latest macOS version.… Continue reading Mute web page videos — Apple Safari Auto-Play settings

GDPR privacy notifications — primrose path of default settings

I’ve been getting a lot of privacy policy update notifications in my email since last month. As part of terms and conditions for use of a product or service. All in response to the GDPR — General Data Protection Regulation, a European Union Regulation which was implemented on May 25, 2018. Many companies sell products and… Continue reading GDPR privacy notifications — primrose path of default settings

Caller ID spoofing — electric company warning

I’ve written about this before: whether it’s at your front door or on your phone or on your computer, scammers use the same tricks. In this case, spoofing their identity. Southern California Edison send out this email notice last week. *** Subject: Important message from SCE: Beware of caller ID spoofing That ‘Southern California Edison’ phone… Continue reading Caller ID spoofing — electric company warning

Ad blocking — Heinlein, Friedman redux

Well, the game’s afoot. Are you using ad blocking? PC World’s “The price of free: how Apple, Facebook, Microsoft and Google sell you to advertisers” article summaries how four major companies handle collection of personal data when you use their products and services. Because the latest version of Windows is always asking for information in… Continue reading Ad blocking — Heinlein, Friedman redux