Twitter could delete dormant profiles. Here’s how to save them.

Worried about old tweets from someone who has passed away? Here's how to save copies of them in case they are deleted.

By Heather KellyMay 10, 2023

Google promised to delete sensitive data. It logged my abortion clinic visit.

Our investigation finds Google still retains location data about users who visit clinics, hospitals and other ‘particularly personal’ locations, despite Google’s commitment to delete it.

By Geoffrey A. FowlerMay 9, 2023

The ultimate guide to managing your passwords

Celebrate World Password Day by making sure your online accounts are as safe as can be, starting with good password hygiene and two-factor authentication.

By Tatum HunterMay 4, 2023

Apple and Google team up to fight AirTag stalking

The makers of iOS and Android say they’re working on software that will alert you when you’re being followed by a Bluetooth tracker — regardless of what kind of phone you use.

By Geoffrey A. FowlerMay 2, 2023
Analysis

To become an Amazon Clinic patient, first you sign away some privacy

You agreed to what? The ‘HIPAA authorization’ for Amazon's new low-cost Clinic offers the tech giant more control over your health data.

By Geoffrey A. FowlerMay 1, 2023

Why you shouldn’t tell ChatGPT your secrets

AI search chatbots such as ChatGPT, Bing and Bard repeat the privacy mistakes of their predecessors — and create some new ones.

By Tatum HunterApril 27, 2023
Analysis

Never Google ‘free credit report.’ Do this instead.

Never search the web if you're looking for free credit reports. Google ads lead you away from a government-mandated free service.

By Shira OvideApril 21, 2023

How to file your taxes without selling your soul

TurboTax and H&R Block ask you to give up the ironclad secrecy of your tax return. Why? To help them make more money.

By Shira OvideApril 11, 2023
Perspective

TikTok and you: Should you delete the app now?

Our tech columnist examines what TikTok knows about you after its CEO gets a grilling from Congress about ties to China.

By Geoffrey A. FowlerMarch 23, 2023

Don’t get hacked on Facebook. Do these 6 things now.

If you think you're safe from hackers and scammers on Facebook, you're wrong. Here's how to protect yourself.

By Heather KellyMarch 16, 2023

TikTok loves Gen Z’s true confessions. Colleges and employers, not so much.

Generation Z grew up online. Their ‘digital footprints’ on apps such as TikTok may haunt them.

By Tatum HunterFebruary 17, 2023

These companies will pay you for your data. Is it a good deal?

Public sector “data dividends” never took off. Now private companies are paying for data — on their own terms.

By Tatum HunterFebruary 6, 2023

Tech companies want your kid’s birth date. Should you tell them?

A Disney Plus request for the birth dates of its youngest users could be a sign of what’s to come as tech focuses on age verification.

By Heather KellyJanuary 12, 2023

Safety advocates see red flags galore with new tech at CES show

CES brings a flood of new products for consumers — often with little vetting from their makers.

By Tatum HunterJanuary 10, 2023

TSA now wants to scan your face at security. Here are your rights.

16 major domestic airports are testing facial-recognition tech to verify IDs — and it could go nationwide in 2023.

By Geoffrey A. FowlerDecember 2, 2022

From quitting to blocking: How to protect yourself on Musk’s Twitter

From locking down privacy settings to finding a new social network, Twitter regulars have many options for protecting their personal information.

By Heather KellyDecember 1, 2022
Advice

If your phone needs fixing, make sure your secrets are safe first

It happens to the best of us, and getting it repaired shouldn't be hard. Just make sure your personal data is safe first.

By Chris VelazcoOctober 31, 2022

Twitter privacy settings to change now

Your tweets may be public, but you can still have more privacy on the social media service.

By Heather KellyOctober 28, 2022

How to lock down your Twitter data, or leave, as Musk takes over

From locking down privacy settings to finding a new social network, Twitter regulars have many options for protecting their personal information.

By Heather Kelly and Pranshu VermaOctober 27, 2022

She clicked sign-in with Google. Strangers got access to all her files.

Should you log in with Facebook or Google on other sites or apps? Short answer: No.

By Geoffrey A. FowlerOctober 24, 2022