Becoming UnGoogleable
These unGoogleables don't post online, blog, publish or build web pages using their own names. They're careful about revealing information to businesses, belong to few organizations that can leak personal data, and never submit online résumés -- all common ways that Google captures your data. They spoke to Wired News only on condition that their names be changed for this story.
Agalia says she visits online poker sites, but always enters false data not tied to her true identity. She limits online purchases and favors websites vetted by Truste and other privacy-monitoring groups. Presented with a sweepstakes offer at Legoland, Agalia said she backed out when she was required to submit personal information.
"I try to protect myself from identity theft," says Agalia, who says a would-be thief tried to use her credit card number a few months ago but got the expiration date wrong. "I shred bills, I don't give out information and I don't talk to telemarketers."
Lindt's aversion to group activities may be the key to his absence from Google. Privacy activists note that many schools, civic groups and clubs publish attendance lists or minutes that end up on the web. Unthinking employers post their workers' names in online newsletters with no prior warning.
"Even if you are very careful, if someone else has that information and they post it, there is not much you can do but contact them and ask them to delete it," says Deborah Pierce, executive director of Privacy Activism.
Community activist George Rios says staying off Google helps protect his security. Rios cooks for Food Not Bombs, rides in Critical Mass and has been arrested many times for civil disobedience. To help keep authorities away from his political actions and his front door, Rios lives his life almost entirely off the information grid. He has no bank account, no phone, no credit cards. His roommates' names are on his utility bills.
"If you don't want to be found on Google, don't use your given name if you participate in chat or newsgroups, and for all of your e-mail addresses, don't use any part of your true name," advises Givens. "And for heaven sakes, have an unlisted phone number. Basic tip No. 1 to keep off Google is don't be listed in the White Pages."
Agalia says she visits online poker sites, but always enters false data not tied to her true identity. She limits online purchases and favors websites vetted by Truste and other privacy-monitoring groups. Presented with a sweepstakes offer at Legoland, Agalia said she backed out when she was required to submit personal information.
"I try to protect myself from identity theft," says Agalia, who says a would-be thief tried to use her credit card number a few months ago but got the expiration date wrong. "I shred bills, I don't give out information and I don't talk to telemarketers."
Lindt's aversion to group activities may be the key to his absence from Google. Privacy activists note that many schools, civic groups and clubs publish attendance lists or minutes that end up on the web. Unthinking employers post their workers' names in online newsletters with no prior warning.
"Even if you are very careful, if someone else has that information and they post it, there is not much you can do but contact them and ask them to delete it," says Deborah Pierce, executive director of Privacy Activism.
Community activist George Rios says staying off Google helps protect his security. Rios cooks for Food Not Bombs, rides in Critical Mass and has been arrested many times for civil disobedience. To help keep authorities away from his political actions and his front door, Rios lives his life almost entirely off the information grid. He has no bank account, no phone, no credit cards. His roommates' names are on his utility bills.
"If you don't want to be found on Google, don't use your given name if you participate in chat or newsgroups, and for all of your e-mail addresses, don't use any part of your true name," advises Givens. "And for heaven sakes, have an unlisted phone number. Basic tip No. 1 to keep off Google is don't be listed in the White Pages."
posted by Max Hartshorne at 11:30 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home