Make Less Data

Surveillance capitalism is a business model where companies collect, analyze, and monetize personal data—often without explicit consent—to predict and influence behavior. This data is used primarily for targeted advertising, but it can also shape everything from the news you see to the products you buy.

Big tech companies collect and monetize this data. For example, in 2023, Facebook made $132 billion from targeted advertising alone.

In 2023, the average person generated 1.7 MB of data per second.

Companies collect data through your online activities, including, but not limited to:

• Browsing history (websites visited, searches made).
• Location data (via GPS, Wi-Fi, or cell towers).
• App usage (what you do on social media, shopping apps, etc.).
• Device information (IP address, device type, operating system).

Even offline data, like purchase history, is often tracked and linked to your online profile.

While it’s nearly impossible to stop all data collection, you can reduce it by:

• Using privacy-focused tools (e.g., VPNs, encrypted messaging).
• Adjusting privacy settings on apps and devices.
• Limiting data-sharing permissions (e.g., location access, app tracking).
• Using tools like Faraday bags to block signals and prevent tracking when not actively using your devices.

Your data can be used to:

• Manipulate your behavior (e.g., targeted ads, personalized content).
• Influence your decisions (e.g., political ads, pricing based on your profile).
• Expose you to risks (e.g., data breaches, identity theft).
  Even if you "have nothing to hide," the misuse of your data can impact your autonomy, privacy, and security.