Privacy Protection Made Simple
Digital privacy can feel overwhelming. Between complex settings, new threats, and constant platform changes, it's easy to throw up your hands and give up.
But protecting your family's privacy doesn't require becoming a security expert. These five simple steps, done today, will dramatically reduce your digital exposure and protect what matters most.
Step 1: Audit Your Photo Sharing
Time required: 30 minutes
Photos are one of the biggest privacy vulnerabilities for families. Start here:
Quick Actions:
- Review your last 20 social media posts — Are faces visible that shouldn't be? Delete or archive problematic photos.
- Check your tagging settings — Disable automatic tagging and require approval for tags.
- Set up HiddenFace — Get in the habit of protecting faces before sharing publicly.
Ongoing Habit:
Before posting any photo, ask: "Would I be comfortable if this appeared on a billboard?" If not, either don't post it or protect the faces first.
The best time to protect a photo is before you share it. The second-best time is right now.
Step 2: Lock Down Social Media Privacy
Time required: 20 minutes per platform
Social media platforms default to maximum exposure. Take control:
Facebook/Instagram:
- Set profile to private (or at least posts to "Friends only")
- Disable facial recognition in settings
- Turn off location sharing
- Review third-party app access and revoke unused apps
- Disable ad personalization
TikTok:
- Switch to private account if possible
- Disable "Suggest your account to others"
- Turn off personalized ads
- Disable location services
All Platforms:
- Use strong, unique passwords
- Enable two-factor authentication
- Review who can see your friends list
- Disable search engine indexing of your profile
Step 3: Secure Your Devices
Time required: 15 minutes
Your phone contains your entire digital life. Protect it:
Essential Settings:
- Enable device encryption — Usually on by default, but verify
- Use a strong passcode — At least 6 digits, preferably alphanumeric
- Enable biometric lock — Face ID or fingerprint for convenience
- Turn on "Find My" features — Helps locate or wipe lost devices
Privacy Settings:
- Review app permissions — Does that game really need camera access?
- Disable location for most apps — Only enable for navigation, weather
- Turn off lock screen previews — Prevent message snooping
- Enable automatic updates — Security patches matter
Step 4: Create a Family Privacy Plan
Time required: Family meeting (30 minutes)
Privacy is a family affair. Get everyone on the same page:
Discussion Topics:
- Define what's shareable — What photos/information is okay to post? What's not?
- Establish consent norms — Ask before posting photos of family members
- Create location rules — When is it okay to share location? Never in real-time?
- Set up check-ins — Monthly review of what's been shared
For Kids:
- Explain why privacy matters in age-appropriate terms
- Teach them to ask before sharing photos of others
- Help them understand that online content is permanent
- Create guidelines for what they can share about themselves
Family Rules Example:
- No posting photos with faces without consent from everyone visible
- No real-time location sharing ever
- No school uniforms, building names, or addresses in photos
- When in doubt, blur it out
Step 5: Do a Digital Cleanup
Time required: 1-2 hours (can be spread over days)
Your past sharing decisions don't have to haunt you forever:
Social Media Cleanup:
- Delete old posts — Anything more than a year old that reveals too much
- Remove tagged photos — Untag yourself from others' problematic posts
- Clear old accounts — Delete accounts on platforms you no longer use
- Google yourself — See what's publicly visible and address issues
Account Audit:
- List all accounts you've ever created
- Delete accounts you don't use
- Update privacy settings on accounts you keep
- Use a password manager to track everything
Data Removal:
- Request removal from data broker sites
- Use "opt out" features where available
- Consider services that automate opt-out requests
Making It Stick
Privacy protection isn't a one-time task—it's an ongoing practice. Here's how to maintain your new habits:
Monthly:
- Review recent posts for oversharing
- Check app permissions for new apps
- Update passwords for critical accounts
Quarterly:
- Do a thorough privacy settings review
- Google yourself and family members
- Have a family privacy check-in
Annually:
- Full digital cleanup
- Review and update family privacy plan
- Assess new tools and threats
Start Today
You don't have to do everything at once. Start with Step 1 today, then tackle one step per day this week. By the end of the week, you'll have dramatically improved your family's digital privacy.
Every face you protect, every setting you change, every old post you delete—it all adds up. Privacy is built one small decision at a time.
The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Your privacy journey begins with protecting a single face.
Start With Step 1
Download HiddenFace and begin protecting faces in your photos today.
