We’ve all heard the term “phone tracking privacy,” but few of us realize how serious the issue is. If you’re like me—constantly on your phone—you might think you’re safe. But the truth is, your phone is probably tracking you way more than you know.
Quick story: A couple of months ago, I started noticing ads that seemed a little too… targeted. You know the feeling when your phone seems to know what you’re thinking? I dug around and realized that I’d been giving apps way too much access to my location. That was my wake-up call to get serious about my phone tracking privacy.
Tracking You—Yes, YOU
You’re probably thinking, “I’m just some random person. Why would anyone care where I go?” But it’s not about you individually—it’s about the data. Let’s take Brian Krebs’ report on Location X for example. This tool tracked a New Jersey cop’s movements for months, and although it wasn’t confirmed to be used for doxxing, it’s still a major privacy concern.
It’s not just isolated incidents, either. According to 404 Media, phones were tracked in real-time at an abortion clinic in Florida, showing not just who was there, but where they came from, what stops they made, and how long they stayed. Imagine your personal data being collected like that—it’s creepy.
The Bigger Picture: A Long History of Surveillance
Let’s zoom out for a second. Governments have been spying on citizens for over a century. Back in the 1960s, programs like Project SHAMROCK collected millions of telegrams, and Project MINARET targeted civil rights activists and anti-war protesters. Fast-forward to today, and we’ve got programs like PRISM that work with tech giants to gather data on a massive scale. Surveillance has evolved, but it’s always been there, hiding in the background.
As Jeramie Scott, Senior Counsel at EPIC, notes, “The unchecked expansion of surveillance systems poses one of the greatest threats to privacy and civil liberties. Even seemingly benign apps can sell users’ location data, which can be misused by both private companies and government entities. It’s crucial that individuals take steps to secure their personal data before it’s too late.”
This is why staying vigilant is so important. Privacy isn’t just about your texts or calls—it’s about protecting your rights from overreach by governments and corporations that have a long history of misusing data.
Your Data Is a Goldmine
Every time you open an app or browse the web, your phone’s location is being tracked. Companies sell this data to advertisers who make a profit off your movements. It’s not just about where you are—it’s about predicting what you’ll do next, where you’ll go, and how long you’ll stay. Your phone tracking privacy is at risk, and it’s time to take control of it.
5 Proven Ways to Improve Your Phone Tracking Privacy
Here’s the good news—you can protect yourself. These five steps will help you stop phone tracking and regain control of your data:
Step 1: Audit Your App Permissions
The first step in improving your phone tracking privacy is to audit which apps have access to your location. On Android, go to Settings > Location > App location permissions. On iOS, head to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services. Limit precise location access to essential apps like maps or food delivery services. For everything else, set it to approximate or deny it altogether.
Step 2: Delete Your Ad ID
Ready to stop the creepy ads? Delete your phone’s ad ID. On Android, go to Settings > Security & Privacy > Ads and delete your ad ID. Ignore Google’s warning—it’s safe. iPhone users, make sure no apps are tracking you through the IDFA by going to Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking, and turning off “Allow Apps to Request to Track.”
Step 3: Double-Check iPhone Settings
Even though Apple offers better privacy controls by default, double-check your settings. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Apple Advertising and make sure Personalized Ads are turned off.
Take Action Now
Here’s the deal—your phone tracking privacy isn’t just about whether your data gets sold to advertisers. It’s about protecting yourself from overreach. The history of government surveillance has shown us that data, once collected, can be used in ways you never intended. Whether it’s through mass surveillance programs like PRISM or targeted tracking apps, your personal information is valuable, and it’s up to you to protect it.
In a world where Location X can draw a box around your neighborhood and track your every move, it’s time to fight back. Take control of your privacy by following these steps and making sure your data isn’t being used without your consent. Check your phone’s privacy settings now—it’s a small action that can make a huge difference in keeping your personal life personal.