Remove your personal info from the top 7 people search sites

I always say that what you post on the internet is forever.

That’s why it’s crucial to protect your personal information. Think, for example, how bad it would be if a risqué photo you thought was safe on your computer ended up in the wrong hands. Tap or click for my best advice on storing sensitive personal pictures. 

Of course, many records you'll find online aren't quite so private. Tap or click for a trick to see what your home, or any other place, looked like years ago. It’s a fun walk down memory lane. 

Speaking of your home, your address is connected to your name all over the web — along with your age, cell phone or landline number, family members’ names, every address where you lived, and lots more. You should delete it, and I’ll show you how. 

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People search sites 101 

People search sites make money by collecting and selling personal information. This repository can include your name, address, date of birth, gender, marital status, family members, social media profiles, education levels, property records, financial records, phone numbers, police records, employment information, and more. 

The sites scrape this information from local, state, and federal public records, along with court records, social media, online forums, and other sources. Some also purchase information from data brokers. 

Data brokers are loosely regulated at best, and there’s no law to prevent them from collecting and selling publicly available information. 

Anyone can search for information about you: A jealous ex to find out where you live or a scammer gathering information to fuel their nefarious deeds. The more people know about you, the more damage they can do. 

Make every Tuesday "Opt-Out Tuesday" 

I started "Opt-Out" Tuesday on Komando.com after getting requests from readers asking how to remove their personal data from people search sites. The problem is that the removal steps are not always straightforward to find on these sites.

Every Tuesday, I pick a people search site and tell you precisely how to remove your personal info. So that you never miss one of these sites, take action now.

Tap or click here now to try out my free Tech Tips newsletter to get each Opt-Out Tuesday article straight to your inbox. 

Here are a few more tips before we get started. Don't pay to remove your information from any people search site. The site must provide this process for free. 

While removing your info from these sites, you must be careful which links you click. Buttons that look like part of the site may be ads that lead you to another site that requests payment.

The Top 7 Sites to Remove Your Data 

It can quickly get overwhelming trying to do all seven in one sitting. Do one a day for the next week. And then drop by my website for every "Opt-Out Tuesday." 

1. Remove yourself from BeenVerified 

BeenVerified lets users search for property records as well as personal information. Here’s how to remove your data: 

Go to https://www.beenverified.com/app/optout/search. 

Enter your first and last name and select your state from the drop-down menu. Then hit the Search button. 

Select the correct match from the search results and click Proceed to Opt-Out. 

Fill in your email address and click Send Verification Email. 

Open the email and click the link inside. This will bring you to a confirmation page. 

Expect it to take several days to weeks before your information vanishes. 

Now you can go on to remove your property data: 

Go to https://www.beenverified.com/app/optout/address-search. 

Enter your address in the search box. 

Click Continue next to your matching result. 

Tick the box on the names you want to remove from the record, then click Opt-out Owner. 

Fill in your email address and click Send Verification Email. 

Open the email and click the link inside. This will bring you to a confirmation page. 

If the steps aren’t working, contact support@beenverified.com. 

For more in-depth instructions on BeenVerified, including screenshots for every step, tap or click here. 

2. Remove yourself from Spokeo 

Spokeo boasts a database of 12 billion records. Nearly 20 million people visit Spokeo.com each month. 

Follow these instructions to opt-out of Spokeo: 

Go to spokeo.com and enter your information to search for your profile. 

Refine your search by selecting a state from the Browse Locations list. Tap All Filters to refine your search further. 

Tap on your name to go to your profile page and copy the URL. 

Go to spokeo.com/optout. 

Paste the URL in the Enter URL here field. 

Enter your email address and complete the Captcha. 

Select Remove this listing. 

Check your email for a message from Spokeo. Tap or click the link below this line: "To complete the removal process, please click this URL or paste it into your browser." 

You’ll be taken to a page with the message, "We’ve received your request to remove this listing." 

Give the site at least a week to process your removal request. 

If you need customer support, call Spokeo at 888-558-9004. Check out the contact page for more ways to get in touch. 

For more in-depth instructions on Spokeo, including screenshots, tap or click here. 

3. Remove yourself from MyLife 

MyLife launched in 2008 after a merger between two other search sites: Reunion.com and Wink.com. The site boasts a Reputation Score feature, which assigns a number based on how you’re presented online to anyone who cares to look. 

Here’s how to remove yourself entirely from the site. 

Go to mylife.com and select the Do Not Sell My Personal Information button at the bottom of the page. 

Fill in the required starred information. 

Select Find URL of Reputation Profile by last name and then select the first letter of your last name. 

You’ll have to go through quite a bit of narrowing down to get to a list of profiles that match yours. 

Once you find your profile, copy the URL, and paste it into the field marked Enter the profile URL on the opt-out page. 

When you’re finished, select Opt Out at the bottom of the form. 

A message appears that states your request will be processed within 15 business days. 

If you need customer support, call 888-704-1900 or email membersupport@mylife.com. 

For more in-depth instructions on MyLife, including screenshots, tap or click here. 

4. Remove yourself from Intelius 

Intelius is one of the more prominent data brokers on the web and owns several people search sites such as PeopleFinder, ZabaSearch, and US Search. 

Here's how to opt-out of Intelius: 

Go to intelius.com/opt-out/submit. 

Enter your first and last name, state of residence and email and select Continue. 

Find your name on the next page and select Remove This Record. 

You’ll be sent to a page informing you that an email confirmation was sent. 

Open the message in your inbox and scan the information before hitting the Confirm Email button. 

You’ll be taken to a final confirmation page. 

Your information will be removed from the Intelius database within seven days. 

If you need help, contact customer support at 888-245-1655 or send a message to support@mailer.intelius.com. 

For more in-depth instructions on Intelius, including screenshots, tap or click here. 

5. Remove yourself from StateRecords 

StateRecords promises instant access to state, county, and municipal records. Removing your information from StateRecords is an easy process: 

Go to staterecords.org/optout. 

Enter your name, state, and city. 

Mark the checkbox for all entries that match your information, then select Remove Data. 

Enter your email address on the next screen and complete the Captcha. 

Select Submit when you’re done. 

Check your email for a message from support@staterecords.org. 

Select Click Here to confirm your removal request. 

You’ll be taken to a confirmation page.

Wait a few days, search the site for your records, and repeat the process if necessary. 

If you have any issues, contact StateRecords at 855-938-5042. 

For more in-depth instructions on StateRecords, including screenshots, tap or click here. 

6. Remove yourself from Instant Checkmate 

Instant Checkmate boasts more than 1.4 billion searches on its website. Checkmate, indeed. 

Here’s how to erase your information from Instant Checkmate. 

Go to instantcheckmate.com/opt-out. 

Fill in your name, city and state and hit Search. 

Select the correct match from the search results and choose Remove This Record. Repeat this process for each match. 

Enter your email address, complete the Captcha, and select Send Confirmation Email. 

Open the confirmation email. Check your spam/junk folders if you don’t see it. Then select Confirm Opt-Out. 

You’ll be taken to a confirmation screen, and you’re done. 

Your data should be removed in 48 hours. 

If you need help, contact customer support at 800-222-8985. 

For more in-depth instructions on Instant Checkmate, including screenshots, tap or click here. 

7. Remove yourself from PeekYou 

PeekYou advertises its services as a convenient way to find your friends and relatives. There are a couple of ways to remove your information from PeekYou: 

Go to peekyou.com and enter your first and last name and state. Click the search button. 

You’ll get a list of matches near the top of the page. Click on the match that applies to you. 

On the next page, click Opt Out in the upper-right corner of the box containing your information. It’s gray and hard to see, but it’s there. 

You’ll be taken to an opt-out form with the Unique ID for the profile you selected already filled in. 

Enter your email address and complete the Captcha. 

Read and confirm the agreements and click submit. 

You’ll get an email with a confirmation link. Click the link, and you’ll be taken to a confirmation page. 

Alternatively, you can go to PeekYou's homepage, scroll down to the bottom of the page, and select Do Not Sell My Personal Information. From here, you can enter your info and URLs linking to any matching profiles on the site. Use the above steps to complete your opt-out request. 

If you need to contact PeekYou, send an email to info@peekyou.com. 

For more in-depth instructions on PeekYou, including screenshots, tap or click here. 

Reminder: If you have not already taken the step to get my free Tech Tips Newsletter to make every Tuesday "Opt-Out Tuesday," tap or click here to sign up now while you’re thinking about it. 

5 WAYS TECH CAN HELP YOU FEEL SAFER AT HOME

Keep your tech-know going  

My popular podcast is called "Kim Komando Today." It’s a solid 30 minutes of tech news, tips, and callers with tech questions like you from all over the country. Search for it wherever you get your podcasts. For your convenience, hit the link below for a recent episode. 

Listen Now: Password manager hacked, smartwatch burns, Brand New or Not True 

In this fun and informative episode, Samsung’s smartwatch is under fire for reportedly burning wearers, a popular password manager was hacked, and why you shouldn’t rely on Tile’s new QR code stickers to find your lost stuff. Plus, how to ask Google to remove your personal info from search results, turn an old PC into a media server, and see if Kim can fool a Komando listener in this week’s Brand New or Not True. 

Find my podcast "Kim Komando Today" on Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcast player. 

Just search for my last name, "Komando." 

CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

What digital lifestyle questions do you have? Call Kim’s national radio show and tap or click here to find it on your local radio station. 

You can listen to or watch The Kim Komando Show on your phone, tablet, television or computer. Or tap or click here for Kim’s free podcasts.

Copyright 2022, WestStar Multimedia Entertainment. All rights reserved. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. I only recommend products I believe in. 

Learn about all the latest technology on The Kim Komando Show, the nation's largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and dispenses advice on today's digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. 

For her daily tips, free newsletters and more, visit her website at Komando.com

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Here's Everything Amazon Just Announced: A Kindle You Can Write on, a New TV, Four New Echos and More

CNBC's live blog coverage of Amazon's fall gadget event where new Echos, Halo health gadgets, updates to Fire TV, Ring products and more are expected.

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Elon Musk Asks Court to End SEC ‘Muzzle' Requiring Pre-approval of Tweets

The brief says that a provision in the settlement requiring Musk to get prior approval before tweeting about the electric car company is an illegal “government-imposed muzzle on Mr. Musk’s speech before it is made."

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US Army fires Javelin anti-tank missiles from robots in key tech test

The U.S. Army test-fired Javelin anti-tank missiles at a recent exhibition in Fort Hood, Texas to demonstrate technological advancement in its fighting capabilities. 

During a series of weapons drills and exercises, soldiers fired Javelins and .50-caliber machine guns from seven-ton robotic vehicles. 

The demonstration consisted of 12 robotic platforms alongside six control vehicles, the culmination of four years of activity, according to one official at the exhibition. 

The three vehicle versions – the RCV-Light, the RCV-Medium, and RCV-Heavy – are each built for various complex unmanned operations. 

CHINESE NATIONAL WHO APPLIED TO US ARMY RESERVES CONVICTED OF ESPIONAGE, PERJURY

The official said the RCV-Heavy is still in the early stages of development but was used in the experience with an M113 personnel carrier. 

An operation, for example, might include scouting and reconnaissance missions, distributing supplies, and finding and destroying enemy targets – when directed by a human.

Kevin Mills, the deputy executive director of ground vehicle intelligent systems, told The National Interest that the second large-scale operational soldier evaluation "is a huge learning opportunity for the Army to understand how to combat robotics can inform future decisions on how we buy material and how we fight." 

"One of the unique features of robotic platforms is that, once you take the human out, they’re purposely built to be robotic platforms, so they can be much smaller and still carry significant payloads and have significant middle mobility characteristics," he said. 

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Facebook Says It Took Down China-based Accounts That Tried to Interfere in the US Midterms

Facebook parent company Meta said fake accounts posing as Americans attacked politicians from both parties and posted divisive material about issues such as abortion and gun rights

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Meta Makes It Easier to Switch Between Facebook and Instagram Accounts

Meta debuted new account management tools for its Facebook and Instagram users that lets them more easily switch between the two apps.

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Hidden trackers invade your browser — how to delete them

As long as your phone is on, it’s sharing data. This happens whether you have an iPhone or Android, but one company is tracking much more than the other. Tap or click here to see if Apple or Google collects more data. 

I bet your home address, phone number, and even more personal information is a search away available to anyone, often for free. I value my privacy, so my team and I put together a great resource to help you out. Tap or click here for steps to remove yourself from 19 of the largest people finder sites. 

Advertisers are notorious for watching what you do and where you go online. That’s valuable and very profitable information. Here’s one way to stop some of the spying.

5 WAYS TECH CAN HELP YOU FEEL SAFER AT HOME 

The bad kind of cookies 

Think of cookies as the trail you leave behind when you're online. A first-party cookie is created and stored in your browser when you visit a website. It keeps things like your login info and shopping cart, so you don't have to fill them in again each time. First-party cookies also preserve options and settings.

That's useful, but cookies can be invasive, too. Companies use cookies to track where you go and what you do online. They'll even do it on a website other than the one you’re visiting. Advertisers love cookies because they help customize the ads you see. If the ads appeal to you, you're more likely to click them, which yields a higher ROI. 

Pro tip: You can block third-party cookies and other invasive tools through your browser. The level of protection varies, but it’s worth the time to change your default settings. Tap or click here for tips on changing your privacy settings in some of the most popular browsers. 

Blocking third-party cookies and tracking is one thing, but how about not being subject to tracking methods, to begin with? That’s where AdChoices and WebChoices come in. 

Banish tracking cookies from your browser 

AdChoices is a program from the Digital Advertising Alliance (DAA), a group of advertising and marketing companies that self-regulate to offer you choices for targeted advertising. Why would they self-regulate? So, no one else steps in to do it, of course. 

Try it out next time you see an ad online. Look for the small AdChoices icon. It looks like a blue triangle with a lowercase "i" in the middle.

Click that to get information about the ad, change its settings and block it. Not all advertisers participate in the program, but you’ll know it when you see the symbol. 

Go further: Delete this secret ID hiding on your phone that gives away your personal details 

Within AdChoices is a tool called WebChoices. You can use this tool to opt-out of many companies in one step. As with AdChoices, it only works for companies that participate in the program.

Get this: I used it to kick out 144 different tracking cookies! 

Here’s how to use WebChoices: 

Go to https://optout.aboutads.info. WebChoices will scan your browser and computer to find out whether first-party and third-party cookies are enabled, along with a list of companies creating targeted ads for you. You'll also see which companies you have already opted out of if you've used the tool.

After the status check is complete, click Continue. 

Look at the Customizing Ads on your Browser column to see which companies use targeted ads. If it says Yes, you can opt-out of that company by checking the box under the Opt-Out column.

Or you can select everything by clicking Opt Out of All. 

After making your selection, click Submit Your Choices. (You can skip those steps by clicking Opt Out Of All as a first step.) 

The website will process your selection, and you click View Updated Results to see how it turned out. 

The WebChoices tool works for the browser you’re currently using, so run it for each if you use more than one browser. If you didn’t catch every company the first time, try rerunning the scan. 

If you delete cookies, you may not see the opt-out choices for the company, so run the scan now and then. 

ARE HACKERS IN YOUR PHONE? HERE’S HOW TO FIND OUT

Keep your tech-know going  

My popular podcast is called "Kim Komando Today." It’s a solid 30 minutes of tech news, tips, and callers with tech questions like you from all over the country. Search for it wherever you get your podcasts. For your convenience, hit the link below for a recent episode. 

PODCAST PICK: GPS survival tip, sign digital docs, Google Photos update 

In this episode, Google updates Photos with redesigned Memories and a new collage editor, use your photos for a virtual clothing fit at Walmart, Keurig's new smart brewer makes a mind-blowing amount of coffee and how to get your real signature on digital docs. Plus, a rescue helicopter nearly abandoned a stranded man by mistaking his distress call. 

Find my podcast "Kim Komando Today" on Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcast player. 

Just search for my last name, "Komando." 

CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

What digital lifestyle questions do you have? Call Kim’s national radio show and tap or click here to find it on your local radio station. 

You can listen to or watch The Kim Komando Show on your phone, tablet, television or computer. Or tap or click here for Kim’s free podcasts.

Copyright 2022, WestStar Multimedia Entertainment. All rights reserved. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. I only recommend products I believe in. 

Learn about all the latest technology on The Kim Komando Show, the nation's largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and dispenses advice on today's digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. 

For her daily tips, free newsletters and more, visit her website at Komando.com.

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John O’Hurley takes a gamble on a new tech tool that proves you’re human

How many times a day are you asked to prove your identity? That number is increasing as a growing number of businesses, apps, and organizations want to make sure you're the real you. For most of us, logging in and authenticating ourselves has become a ubiquitous part of everyday life, whether it's to access our banking information, our emails, or our social media accounts. They might even text us a code, or ask us to pick out photos, all in an effort to make sure we're human. And actor John O'Hurley says that's what was driving him crazy. "I am not a robot," O'Hurley jokes. "That's going to be the title of my memoir when I put this all down to pen."

O'Hurley is best known as the host of the annual National Dog Show, and for playing the eccentric catalog magnate J. Peterman on "Seinfeld." But he's also an entrepreneur, and his latest venture is a partnership with a new company aiming to make all that authentication easier and more secure using biometrics - things like fingerprints, voice authentication, and facial scans. The company, Q5ID, has an easy-to-use mobile app that allows users to enroll and authenticate securely, no matter where they are, complete with step by step directions, often in three minutes or less.

O'Hurley says he was inspired to work with Q5ID after seeing the damage that could be done with unverified users. "When I saw a 'deepfake' the other night, I immediately went to saying that it would be nothing for a CEO, someone to fake a CEO, make some sort of statement about the financial wherewithal of the company and the stock would tank", he explains. "Well, there would be no retrieving that by saying, 'Well, it wasn't really that person. It was a fake'."

And with bots now beating most authentication programs, Q5ID's app will use your phone to scan your face or your palm, keeping the data on your own device. Simultaneously, it proves to your bank, a social media platform, or any other company that it's really you. And it's not just for businesses; better authentication could help schools, law enforcement, and government agencies cut down on digital fraud, which costs Americans tens of billions of dollars every year.

The company also offers an app called "Guardian," with the goal of revamping and revolutionizing how missing people can be found. It's a free download that allows subscribers to add profiles of their loved ones should the worst happen, giving them the power to alert law enforcement immediately.

Ultimately, most experts are predicting our use of biometrics to increase significantly in the next few years. It's still not clear when - or if - it will replace the clunky two-factor authentication now in widespread use, but biometric apps are expected to be a $185 billion industry by 2031. O'Hurley credits the boom to the ease of use, saying it's a hit with consumers "because it's the last time you technically would ever need a password, or a username. Because you are you."

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Elon Musk Is Set To Unveil His Prototype Robot. But Don’t Expect It To Steal Your Job Just Yet.

Musk is hyping up the Optimus robot — but skeptics are not hard to find

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View Entire Post ›

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Google smarts: 5 ways to get more out of Gmail, Maps, Calendar, and Docs

Think Big Tech, and I bet Google comes to mind. They control our inboxes, calendars, document storage, cloud storage, routes, and more. Most of their products are free to use, which means you are the product they are selling. 

You have options. Tap or click here for my list of search engines that better protect your privacy. 

We put up with Google tracking because these services are free and incredibly easy to use. Hey, if you’re in Google’s ecosystem, you might as well get the most out of it. Here are five ways to do that. 

5 WAYS TECH CAN HELP YOU FEEL SAFER AT HOME

1. A solution to your packed inbox 

One of the best privacy features built right into Gmail is spam protection. I’m not talking about a junk folder. This tip is even better. 

You can create a new email address, called an alias, without any special set-up. All you have to do is add a plus sign and a word after your username to your email address, like this: "username+aliasname@gmail.com." 

A handy use is tying your recurring subscription services to one alias, like this: "username+subscriptions@gmail.com." You can use this trick for email newsletters, correspondence with friends, neighborhood association info, or anything else you can think up. 

Pro-tip: This is also an excellent way to see if a company is selling or leasing your email address. If you notice a message you didn't sign up to receive, see which of your email addresses it came to. 

Go further: To make aliases truly useful, you need to filter them into their own designated spots in your inbox. Tap or click here and scroll to No. 2 for directions.

2. Share your emails without giving away the password 

Don’t share your email password with anyone. Period. But you can share an inbox with someone. In certain situations, it works really well.

Say you run a small business and want multiple people to have access to the customer service email. Or maybe someone in your family is sick or just getting older and needs help managing their emails. They can share their inbox with you. 

To add a delegate: 

Open Gmail on your computer and click Settings > See all settings > Accounts and Import or Account > Add another account.

Enter the email address of your delegate and hit Next Step > Send email to grant access. 

When you grant someone access to your Gmail account, they can sort emails with filters, archive emails, and use labels to organize emails. They can also send, read, and delete email messages. 

Pro tip: Another good use for sharing an inbox is if you have an email address for your home where you send all your bills. Share that with your spouse. Tap or click for the reason every home should have its own email address. 

Go further: Checking several different email accounts can be a pain. Tap or click here for steps to forward all your mail to one place. 

3. This Google shortcut saves so much time 

Creating a new Google Calendar invite takes time. You have to open your calendar, then click a few buttons. There’s a much easier way: "cal.new." Seriously, try typing that into your browser’s URL bar without the quotes. Just make sure you are logged into your Google account. 

Like magic, a new calendar invite will pop up, ready for you to fill out. 

This works with lots of other Google services, too. You can open a Google Doc by typing in "doc.new" or a Google Keep reminder by typing "note.new." 

You can use any of the following shortcuts for each application: 

Google Docs: document.new, docs.new, doc.new 

Google Sheets: spreadsheet.new, sheets.new, sheet.new 

Google Slides: presentation.new, slides.new, slide.new 

Google Forms: forms.new, form.new 

Google Keep: keep.new, notes.new, note.new 

Google Calendar: meeting.new, cal.new 

Google Meeting: meet.new 

Pro tip: One of the simplest ways to organize your Google Drive folders is by color-coding them, which is surprisingly simple. Open your Google Drive and right-click on the folder you want to change. Click Change color and choose the color you want to use. Done. 

Go further: Keyboard shortcuts are a big timesaver. Tap or click for seven of my favorites, including Ctrl + shift + V. 

4. See everywhere you’ve gone with Google Maps 

Google Maps makes it easy to get around, but you might not like the stark reality of seeing every single place you’ve been laid out on a map. Here’s how to check your location history: 

When logged into your Google account on a computer, open maps.google.com. 

Click on the hamburger menu in the top left corner. 

When the full side menu is open, click on Your timeline. This will bring up a complete map of where you’ve been. 

Data of places you visited can also be recalled by opening the side menu, clicking on Your Places, and then clicking Visited. 

Pro tip: You can keep certain trips out of your search history by switching on Incognito mode. Google Maps won’t keep your search history or update your location history to include this location. Tap or click here for the simple steps to enable it. 

Go further: You can disable location history altogether if you don’t like it. Tap or click here to get that done. It just takes a minute. 

5. Work offline (but you have to set this up ahead of time) 

There’s nothing like settling in to do some work on the road, then realizing you don’t have internet. The good news is you can read, respond to, and search your Gmail inbox even when you don’t have an internet connection. 

Note: Emails won’t actually be sent until you have a connection again, and you will not receive new emails until you’re connected to the internet. Think of this as queuing up all your responses. 

Open Gmail, then click the Settings cog. Choose See all settings. 

Click the tab that says Offline, and check the box to enable offline mail. 

Pro tip: You can schedule emails to go out exactly when you want them to. Tap or click here and scroll to No. 8 for steps on how to schedule. It’s easy. I use this all the time. 

Go further: You can also work in Google Drive offline. Get the steps here. Make sure you set this up before you need it. 

ARE HACKERS IN YOUR PHONE? HERE’S HOW TO FIND OUT

Keep your tech-know going  

My popular podcast is called "Kim Komando Today." It’s a solid 30 minutes of tech news, tips, and callers with tech questions like you from all over the country. Search for it wherever you get your podcasts. For your convenience, hit the link below for a recent episode. 

PODCAST PICK: GPS survival tip, sign digital docs, Google Photos update 

In this episode, Google updates Photos with redesigned Memories and a new collage editor, use your photos for a virtual clothing fit at Walmart, Keurig's new smart brewer makes a mind-blowing amount of coffee and how to get your real signature on digital docs. Plus, a rescue helicopter nearly abandoned a stranded man by mistaking his distress call. 

Find my podcast "Kim Komando Today" on Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcast player. 

Just search for my last name, "Komando." 

CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

What digital lifestyle questions do you have? Call Kim’s national radio show and tap or click here to find it on your local radio station. 

You can listen to or watch The Kim Komando Show on your phone, tablet, television or computer. Or tap or click here for Kim’s free podcasts.

Copyright 2022, WestStar Multimedia Entertainment. All rights reserved. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. I only recommend products I believe in. 

Learn about all the latest technology on The Kim Komando Show, the nation's largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and dispenses advice on today's digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. 

For her daily tips, free newsletters and more, visit her website at Komando.com.

via Fox News https://ift.tt/OMcV8q4

Facebook whistleblower launches nonprofit to address harms created by social media

Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen is launching a nonprofit organization that will seek solutions to harms created by social media, she said on Thursday.

The former product manager at Facebook, since renamed Meta Platforms, made headlines last year after coming out as the source of thousands of leaked internal documents, which she said detailed the social media company's failures to protect teen girls on Instagram and clamp down on vaccine misinformation.

Facebook has consistently said it disagrees with Haugen's characterization.

YOUTUBE, META, OTHER TECH COMPANIES TAKING STEPS TO COMBAT ONLINE EXTREMISM

Her nonprofit, Beyond the Screen, will create an open database to document ways that Big Tech companies are failing their "ethical obligations to society" and outline possible solutions, according to a press release.

TWITTER, MUSK LEGAL TEAMS REPORTEDLY DEPOSING JACK DORSEY

It will partner with Project Liberty, an organization working to build a new operating protocol for social networking, and Common Sense Media, which advocates for safe media content for kids.

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How to get Fox News headlines on your iPhone lock screen

Readers can now get their Fox News headlines right on their iPhone's lock screen! Here's how to do it.

First, you'll need to download the iOS 16 Apple operating system and update your Fox News app. 

To update the operating system, if you haven't already done so: under "Settings," select "General," then "Software Update," and iOS 16.0 will appear as an "Available Update."

To update your Fox News app, open the "App Store" application, then tap "Search" on the bottom-right corner, and search for Fox News. Tap on the Fox News icon in the search results, then tap "UPDATE." (If it says "OPEN" instead, it's already updated to the most current version.) Open the app to launch it.

IPHONE AND ANDROID ANNOYANCES: HOW TO FIX THE 5 MOST ANNOYING THINGS FOR GOOD

Next, swipe down from the top-left side of the screen to view the iPhone lock screen. Tap and hold it until the screen pops up with a button that says "Customize" and a plus sign in a blue circle appears at the bottom right.

Select "Add Widgets" and scroll to search for the Fox News widget. 

Tap or drag to add the widget to the bar below the time. 

Once you've added the widget, tap "Done" in the top right-hand corner to save the widget and wallpaper and "Set as Wallpaper Pair."

That's it! Now you'll be able to read Fox News headlines as soon as you pull up your phone.

The headlines update automatically. Tap the headline to read the full story on your Fox News app.

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The iPhone 14 Pro Is Finally What You Want An iPhone To Be

With a better camera, upgraded display, and new multitasking features, the Pro version is worth it.

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The YouTube Channel Streaming Alex Jones’s Trial Disabled The Chat Because Of Sandy Hook Conspiracy Theories

Viewers of the livestream were no longer subjected to conspiracy theorists’ threats and lies.

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Google Chrome is safe but here’s how to make it even safer to use

If I were a betting woman, I’d guess you use Google Chrome. It’s far and away the world’s most popular browser. It's not my pick if you're looking for the most privacy. Scan my list of browsers ranked by privacy. 

After all, Google likely knows every website you visit, where you go, what you buy online, who you communicate with, and much more. Tap or click here for eight ways Google invades your privacy. 

That said, Chrome is a solid browser. There are ways to make it even better. 

5 WAYS TECH CAN HELP YOU FEEL SAFER AT HOME

First things first 

Before we get into settings, take the time to ensure Chrome is up to date. This happens automatically when you shut down and reopen the program, but it’s worth checking now and again. 

Open Chrome, then tap the three vertical dots to the right of your profile icon. 

From the drop-down menu, hover over Help and select About Google Chrome. 

If an update is available, it will start. Click Relaunch to finish. 

More Google smarts: 10 Google Search tricks to help you find what you’re looking for 

1. Make your account harder to crack 

Your Chrome profile is tied to your Google account. Two-step verification (or two-factor authentication) adds an extra layer of security to your account.

Once you set it up, you'll sign into your Google account using two steps: something you know (your password) and something you have (like your phone). Remember, this is only necessary when you sign on with a new device.

Here’s how to set it up for Google: 

Go to myaccount.google.com. 

Select Security from the left panel. 

Under Signing in to Google, select 2-Step Verification, then Get started. 

Follow the on-screen steps. 

Better safe than sorry: Hackers want Google accounts. Give yours this security check now! 

2. Run Chrome’s Safety Check tool 

Chrome’s Safety Check scans your account for compromised passwords and available updates. It also turns on Safe Browsing, a setting that identifies unsafe websites and notifies you of potential harm. 

You can run a Safety Check at any time: 

Open Chrome, then tap the three vertical dots to the right of your profile icon. 

Select Settings > Privacy and security from the left panel. 

Under Safety Check, select Check now. 

Select the item and follow the on-screen instructions. Chrome will scan for updates, compromised passwords, harmful extensions, and more. 

MAINTENANCE 101: Your printer needs a cleanup – Follow this 3-step checklist 

3. Extensions can put you at risk 

Extensions let you add powerful features to your browser. Think coupon finders, grammar checkers, and screenshot tools. But not all extensions are helpful. Some track you across the internet, hog your bandwidth, or even infect your computer with malware. 

It’s not just unknown downloads, either. Five extensions with 1.4 million downloads were recently spotted hiding malware. Tap or click for the list to see if you have one installed. 

Not sure what is safe? Chrome assigns a "Featured" badge to extensions that follow Google’s "technical best practices and meet a high standard of user experience and design."

It’s also helpful to search the web for phrases like, "Is (the extension you’re using) safe to use?"

Here’s how to remove an extension from Chrome: 

Open Chrome, then tap the three vertical dots to the right of your profile icon. 

Hover over More tools and select Extensions. 

Click Remove on the extension you want to remove, then click Remove again. 

4. Enable HTTPS-First mode 

Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) is used to load pages using hypertext links. Websites that use HTTP are not secure. That’s why you should stick to sites that start with HTTPS. (The extra "S" stands for secure.) This encrypts a website’s content. 

Chrome’s HTTPS-First mode attempts to load all sites over HTTPS and displays a warning before visiting a site that doesn’t support it. Here’s how to enable it: 

Open Chrome, then tap the three vertical dots to the right of your profile icon. 

Select Settings > Privacy and Security, then Security. 

In the Advanced section, slide the toggle next to Always use secure connections to the right (on) to enable it. 

Speaking of security, I hear from folks all the time who fell for an online scam. It’s a bummer, but it happens. Here are three steps to take if that happens to you. 

5. Be careful with Incognito mode 

No, Incognito Mode does not make everything you do private. It does have some uses, but let’s be clear. Incognito Mode doesn’t hide your activity from the websites you visit. You can still be tracked, your ISP can still see what you do, and your data can still be shared with third parties. 

So, what does it do? When you surf the web incognito, your browser doesn’t save your browsing history, cookies, site data or information you enter in forms. However, it keeps any downloaded files or bookmarks created during the session. 

There are a few things I think Incognito is especially good for: shopping, keeping embarrassing searches out of your history, and keeping home and work separate. 

Tap or click for my tips for using Incognito to the best of its ability. 

ARE HACKERS IN YOUR PHONE? HERE’S HOW TO FIND OUT

Keep your tech-know going  

My popular podcast is called "Kim Komando Today." It’s a solid 30 minutes of tech news, tips, and callers with tech questions like you from all over the country. Search for it wherever you get your podcasts. For your convenience, hit the link below for a recent episode. 

PODCAST PICK: Amazon police plans, flying taxis, robotic manicures 

Get a $10 manicure from a robot, change this secret Google Maps setting, and watch out for flying taxis. Plus, Amazon tests police stations as package pickup points, WFH jobs that pay $20/hour, and YouTube will let creators offer paid video courses next year. 

Find my podcast "Kim Komando Today" on Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcast player. 

Just search for my last name, "Komando." 

CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

What digital lifestyle questions do you have? Call Kim’s national radio show and tap or click here to find it on your local radio station. 

You can listen to or watch The Kim Komando Show on your phone, tablet, television or computer. Or tap or click here for Kim’s free podcasts.

Copyright 2022, WestStar Multimedia Entertainment. All rights reserved. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. I only recommend products I believe in. 

Learn about all the latest technology on The Kim Komando Show, the nation's largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and dispenses advice on today's digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. 

For her daily tips, free newsletters and more, visit her website at Komando.com.

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iPhone and Android annoyances: How to fix the 5 most annoying things for good

When it comes to consumer tech, there’s a huge list of things that can drive us all bananas. 

Take your slow Wi-Fi. You can’t stream, you can’t join a video meeting, and it always happens at the worst time. Tap or click for clever ways to speed up your home’s connection. 

What about wading through thousands of photos, looking for the one you want? Tap or click for a quick shortcut, along with four more smart tech fixes — like a hidden way to know a scammer is calling without picking up your phone. 

Our smartphones help us get a ton done, but that doesn’t mean we don’t want to chuck them out the window sometimes. Here are the top complaints I hear about and ways to fix them. 

5 WAYS TECH CAN HELP YOU FEEL SAFER AT HOME

1. Your screen brightness keeps changing 

Apple's Face ID does more than unlock your phone. It also can tell when you're paying attention to your phone. If you look away, your screen dims, and your alert volume also decreases. 

The fluctuating brightness can be frustrating. You can switch this feature off.

Go to Settings > Accessibility > Face ID & Attention. 

Turn off Attention Aware Features. 

On Android, adaptive brightness or auto-brightness uses a sensor to adjust the screen based on your environment. Sometimes it works well, but not always.

Steps will vary based on your phone’s model, but here’s a starting point.

Go to Settings, then Display. 

Look for Adaptive brightness and toggle it off. 

SECURITY 101: The smart trick to know when your phone’s camera or mic is being used 

2. The person you’re talking to can’t hear you 

When you're on a call, your iPhone monitors the noise around you and tries to cut it down, so the person you're talking to hears you better. It’s a neat feature, but it might lead to "Wait, what did you say?" too often. 

First, check your microphone volume. Press the volume up button on a call to adjust this. You can turn off the noise cancellation feature if people still have problems hearing you. 

Go to Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual and switch off Phone Noise Cancellation. 

Another tech annoyance: 5 ways to help Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant to understand you better 

3. You don’t want the bloatware 

Android phones are notorious for coming preloaded with apps you don’t want or need. These extraneous programs slow down your phone and consume storage space and battery life. 

There are a few ways to get rid of the bloat. 

Remove apps from your Android phone: 

Open the Google Play Store app. 

At the top right, tap your Profile icon. 

Tap Manage apps & devices > Manage. 

Tap the name of the app you want to delete, then select Uninstall. 

Some apps can’t be deleted. You can disable them by long-pressing on the app and tapping the Disable option — or you can hide them on some Android phones. 

Hide apps by tapping and holding the app and dragging it to the bottom of the screen to the Remove from home screen box. This doesn’t remove or disable the app; it just moves it out of view. 

Hide apps from your Samsung phone 

Open your App drawer, then tap the three dots in the top right. 

Open Home Screen Settings (or just Settings). 

Select the Hide apps option. 

Choose the apps you want to hide. 

Confirm via the Apply or Done button. 

Losing your texts is a nightmare. Don’t be that person. Here’s how to save text messages on iOS and Android before it’s too late. 

4. Your group text is too chatty 

Group messages are a fantastic way to stay in touch with friends and family, but the constant pings can be too much. Here’s how to silence conversations on your iPhone: 

Open Messages, then tap and hold a conversation. 

Tap Hide Alerts. 

You can also do this within the conversation by tapping the name(s) at the top of the screen and then switching on Hide Alerts. 

That’s a helpful option, but you’ll still get notifications if someone mentions you in a group text. You can turn this type of notification off, too.

Go to Settings > Messages. 

Scroll down to Mentions and switch off Notify Me. 

On Android, steps to hide conversation alerts will vary based on your phone’s model. Try this: 

Open Messages, then tap and hold a conversation. 

Tap the three-dot icon in the top right corner. 

Select Mute notifications to open up settings for that contact or conversation. 

Apple secret: This might be the best iPhone feature you never knew existed 

5. You miss the home button 

The iPhone 8 was the last model with a home button. That was a long time ago, but I know change is hard, and you still might miss it. You can't install a physical home button on your phone, but there's a feature that lets you come close: 

Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > AssistiveTouch. 

Turn on AssistiveTouch. A button will appear on your screen. 

Under Custom Actions, change Single-Tap, Double-Tap and Long Press settings. 

If you want the closest home button experience, set Single-Tap to Home, then drag the button to the middle-bottom of your screen. 

Now, whenever you tap that virtual button, you’ll be taken to your home screen. Neat! 

ARE HACKERS IN YOUR PHONE? HERE’S HOW TO FIND OUT

Keep your tech-know going  

My popular podcast is called "Kim Komando Today." It’s a solid 30 minutes of tech news, tips, and callers with tech questions like you from all over the country. Search for it wherever you get your podcasts. For your convenience, hit the link below for a recent episode. 

PODCAST PICK: Amazon police plans, flying taxis, robotic manicures 

In this episode, get a $10 manicure from a robot, change this secret Google Maps setting, and watch out for flying taxis. Plus, Amazon tests police stations as package pickup points, WFH jobs that pay $20/hour, and YouTube will let creators offer paid video courses next year. 

Find my podcast "Kim Komando Today" on Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcast player. 

Just search for my last name, "Komando." 

CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

What digital lifestyle questions do you have? Call Kim’s national radio show and tap or click here to find it on your local radio station. 

You can listen to or watch The Kim Komando Show on your phone, tablet, television or computer. Or tap or click here for Kim’s free podcasts.

Copyright 2022, WestStar Multimedia Entertainment. All rights reserved. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. I only recommend products I believe in. 

Learn about all the latest technology on The Kim Komando Show, the nation's largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and dispenses advice on today's digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. 

For her daily tips, free newsletters and more, visit her website at Komando.com

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Law enforcement turns to new tech solutions to help cops in the field

It’s no secret – major tensions still exist between law enforcement and some communities, with frequent calls to "defund the police" from activists who feel cops are too quick to use violence. But a new survey shows those opinions don’t represent the majority of America, and now a growing number of police departments across the country are embracing mobile technology, hoping it will help bridge the gap – and streamline the job for cops in the field. 

The survey – by the public safety-focused software company Mark43 – shows most Americans are backing the blue. 72 percent of respondents say they reject the "defund the police" agenda, and actually want cops to have more resources. That’s where technology comes in. Mark43 and other companies are increasingly focusing on new tech tools that will make it easier for police to keep the peace. Mark 43 co-founder Matt Polega says it’s a win-win, noting cops "can leverage all this mobile technology that they have, remain in the field, and get information more quickly."

And that information flow is now being managed in many cities by mobile apps designed to give police a leg up in the field. One program is a dispatch tool that gives police a better sense of what they’re walking into when responding to a potentially-dangerous call; information on the situation is automatically sent to an officer’s cell phone, ensuring they’re not diving in blind. "They could know exactly where they have to get to, they could see the route they have to take," according to Polega,"and then they can also maybe get a little bit of a preview of what kind of situation they're going to be dealing with." 

But the company’s poll also exposed a significant gap between what most people see on the streets and what law enforcement officers are actually doing. It’s not uncommon to see police on their phones, and most of the time they’re engaged in work-related applications. But 32 percent of Americans say they didn’t understand that cops use their phones for work, doing everything from data entry to dispatch. "In reality, a lot of those police officers are actually spending a lot of time doing things like communicating with other police officers, getting important information from headquarters," says Polega. And that disparity is creating a major misconception, leading to mistrust between police and the people they serve. 

Ultimately, most police departments say they expect in-field technology like the apps developed by Mark43 to expand in the coming years. And in 2023, law enforcement agencies around the world are expected to spend a whopping 18 billion dollars on new technology. The hope is all that new tech will lead to improved policing, and hopefully, more trust in law enforcement. And Polega says it’s already having a big impact, claiming "we’ve seen arrest reporting times down 50 percent, we’ve seen offense reporting times get driven down by about 80 percent, and that makes sure police are back in the field, serving their communities, and doing the job they actually signed up for, instead of paperwork." 

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A Sandy Hook Responder And A Victim's Sister Gave Emotionally Devastating Testimony In Alex Jones's Defamation Case

As Jones’s defamation trial continues, the plaintiffs’ attorney argued that Infowars saw dollar signs in the tragedy.

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Your iPhone Can Now Edit Texts. Enjoy The Chaos.

The iOS 16 update allows you to delete or edit the dumb things you didn’t meant to say.

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Alex Jones's Second Defamation Trial Over Sandy Hook Begins Today. He Could Lose Even Bigger This Time.

Jones’s second trial brought by families of victims of the Sandy Hook shooting is in Connecticut, just miles from where the tragedy occurred in 2012.

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Twitter Whistleblower to Tell Lawmakers the Social Media Platform Misled Regulators

A former security chief at Twitter will testify Tuesday before Congress the social platform misled regulators about its cyber defenses and efforts to control millions of fake accounts.

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Apple Just Released a Major Update for Your iPhone — Here's What's New and How to Get It

Apple released its new iOS 16 software Monday, which means anyone with an iPhone 8 or newer can install the big update for the iPhone 14.

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5 ways tech can help you feel safer at home

When I host a national radio show and podcast about all things tech, digital security is always in every program. Take your home's router, for instance. 

An outdated model can put your entire network, files and anything connected to it at risk for hackers. Tap or click for five reasons you need to replace that old router.

Other ways of protecting your digital life don’t require spending a dime.

Then there are those security tips a little closer to home. Whether you have a full house or live alone, there's a lot you can do to feel safer where you live.

STUDY SUGGESTS POSTING ON SOCIAL MEDIA MAKES USERS OVERCONFIDENT

Getting to know your neighbors can be one of the best ways to feel more secure. If you haven’t, introduce yourself. You’ll feel better knowing the neighborhood has your back. 

You can get to know the broader neighborhood, too, through NextDoor. Create an account to connect with people who live nearby. Just get ready for a healthy dose of drama. I'll never forget when I saw a post about someone driving too fast. Ahem, it was me.

A more fun way to get to your community is to join a buy nothing group. This is where neighbors pass around items they no longer use. Let's say you're upgrading your TV and need to get rid of the old one. Rather than go through the trouble of selling it, ask if anyone nearby would like to come and get it.

Your phone is always with you and can be a lifeline in an emergency. A smart step is to activate your phone's emergency SOS feature. When triggered, this will call emergency services and send notifications and updates to your chosen personal emergency contacts. 

Set up emergency contacts for your iPhone

To call emergency services:

Once the countdown ends, your phone will contact emergency services.

Set up emergency contacts and SOS on your Android

WASHINGTON TO END COVID-19 STATE OF EMERGENCY OCT. 31

Now you need to activate your Android’s SOS feature:

To call emergency services:

Are you a caretaker for someone in your life? If you can't always be together, a lot of great tech can help. 

Whether you’re at work for the day or off on a week-long vacation, there are ways to make it look like your home is occupied even though it’s empty. Mechanical or smart-home timers can turn lights and a stereo or TV on and off. 

Have an Echo speaker? Alexa Guard is like a pair of ears you leave at home. Your Echo device will listen for glass breaking, smoke alarms or carbon monoxide alarms. You’ll get an alert on your phone if these sounds are detected.

Alexa Guard can also automatically turn any connected smart lights on and off to make it look like you’re home. 

Home security technology has come a long way since the days of elaborate hard-wired systems with lengthy, expensive contracts. You can now customize a system for your home that includes exactly what you want and even set it all up yourself. 

SimpliSafe is a sponsor of my national radio show, and they're a company I always recommend. Of course, there are many options at different price points.

The cheapest doesn’t translate to the best. I’d avoid the bargain-basement models you can find online.

We tend to want to post every exciting moment in our lives on social media, but it might not be just your friends who are watching your adventures. If you maintain a public profile, anyone can see you’re exploring a new city far from home.

The simplest solution is not to post personal information on social media, including your vacation schedule. Wait until you get back to share photos and videos.

If you're determined to share in real time, at least be sure to restrict your accounts to trusted friends and family. 

Keep your tech-know going 

My popular podcast is called "Kim Komando Today." It’s a solid 30 minutes of tech news, tips and callers with tech questions like you from all over the country. 

Check out my podcast "Kim Komando Today" on Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcast player.

What digital lifestyle questions do you have? Call Kim's national radio show. You can listen to or watch The Kim Komando Show on your phone, tablet, television or computer. 

Copyright 2022, WestStar Multimedia Entertainment. All rights reserved. By clicking the shopping links, you’re supporting my research. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. I only recommend products I believe in.

Learn about all the latest technology on The Kim Komando Show, the nation's largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and dispenses advice on today's digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. For her daily tips, free newsletters, and more, visit her website at Komando.com.

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Are hackers in your phone? Here’s how to find out

I've heard from many people who have been cyberstalked over the years. Sadly, today's tech makes it all too easy. 

Take Apple AirTags, for example. They’re cheap, small, and easy to hide — and can tell the owner exactly where you are located. Here are six signs to look for if you suspect someone is tracking you this way. 

Then there are the people convinced someone is listening in on their calls or reading their texts. Sometimes, I believe something is going on. Other times, paranoia has set in. Here’s how to know if you’re being stalked or are just paranoid. 

It’s not always easy to tell if your phone has been compromised. Here are some tips for diagnosing a hacked phone. 

5 WAYS TO THINK LIKE A HACKER, STARTING TODAY

How does this happen in the first place? 

A person doesn’t necessarily have to be a hacker to get into your phone. Someone can hold your phone to your face when you’re sleeping and unlock it. This one act lets them snoop through your device without your knowledge. 

Then there’s software that does the job. Stalkerware is designed to track you using GPS, call logs, messages, images, browser history, and more. This software can be hidden behind another app that seems harmless. Tap or click for six signs stalkerware could be on your phone. 

There are harmful files and malicious links that can infect your phone without your knowledge. Something as innocuous as a PDF file can carry some poisonous data. That’s why it’s so important to be careful what you click. 

What about apps? Sketchy downloads can imitate well-known apps or try their luck to trick you into downloading and running them. Once you do so, your phone is infected with malware. 

There’s also a method called SIM swapping that is much more targeted. A criminal calls your phone carrier pretends to be you, and requests a new SIM card — disconnecting your old line and transferring everything to the criminal's device.

Tap or click for three ways to stop this scary attack. 

Look for the signs 

How do you know that your phone has been hacked? Here are some red flags: 

There are too many processes running at once that slow down your phone, or it can be a single culprit in the form of malware eating up a lot of resources. This can cause your phone to heat up. 

Your battery is draining much faster than usual. 

Significant spikes in data usage could signal adware or other malware, which runs in the background. 

Spammy pop-ups are a good indicator that you have a malicious app on your phone. 

Malware can slow down your internet by redirecting your traffic to unsafe servers or simply hogging your bandwidth to steal more information from you or target others. 

Some signs will show up off your phone, like emails you don’t remember sending or strange posts on social media. 

Tap or click for five signs your email inbox has been hacked and the steps you should take to lock it down. 

How to protect your phone from hackers 

A little effort can make a huge difference in keeping hackers and malware out of your phone. 

First, keep your phone updated with the latest security fixes and patches. We alert you to those over at Komando.com. Tap or click here to try my free email newsletters to get the alerts right to your inbox. 

Enable two-factor authentication with every account that offers it. Read my guide to all things 2FA. 

Don’t click unsolicited or suspicious links. This includes those in messages from acquaintances, ads you see online, and in emails. 

Don’t forget about your home network. Tap or click here for tips on securing it to keep snoops and bad actors out. 

TECH KEEPS YOUR STUDENTS SAFE AT SCHOOL

Keep your tech-know going  

My popular podcast is called "Kim Komando Today." It’s a solid 30 minutes of tech news, tips, and callers with tech questions like you from all over the country. Search for it wherever you get your podcasts. For your convenience, hit the link below for a recent episode. 

PODCAST PICK: Netflix ads, Facebook news, password managers 101 

In this episode, Netflix ads coming, Facebook and Instagram to start charging money, best golf apps, password manager pros and cons, new home wiring tips, and my smart advice with callers like you. 

Find my podcast "Kim Komando Today" on Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcast player. 

Just search for my last name, "Komando." 

CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

What digital lifestyle questions do you have? Call Kim’s national radio show and tap or click here to find it on your local radio station. 

You can listen to or watch The Kim Komando Show on your phone, tablet, television or computer. Or tap or click here for Kim’s free podcasts.

Copyright 2022, WestStar Multimedia Entertainment. All rights reserved. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. I only recommend products I believe in. 

Learn about all the latest technology on The Kim Komando Show, the nation's largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and dispenses advice on today's digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. 

For her daily tips, free newsletters and more, visit her website at Komando.com

via Fox News https://ift.tt/fFHQx3D

Apps That Tell You Your Friends' Locations Are Now A Way Of Life

We’re in an age of apps where “it is no longer the format of ‘I’m selectively sharing what I want to,’ but sharing whatever possible.”

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Tech Companies Working On Contraception Face A New Landscape After Roe

The Dobbs decision creates windfalls for some and roadblocks for others when it comes to companies working on new fertility tech.

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I’m Pretty Sure Apple Knows We’re All Going To Die Soon

The newly unveiled Watch and iPhone 14 features — car crash detection, satellite emergency calling, extreme weather — all seem a little ominous.

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This Is The New Apple Watch Ultra

The new watch is designed for extreme temperatures and rough conditions during hiking, diving, and other activities.

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Apple Set to Unveil Its New IPhones and Apple Watches

Apple's iPhone 14 event kicks off at 1 p.m. ET, when it's also expected to introduce the Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch Pro and AirPods Pro 2.

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Forget SpitGate, I Just Care About Chris Pine’s Disposable Camera

We stan a Luddite king.

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Study suggests posting on social media makes users overconfident

Sharing articles on social media makes people think they know more about the articles' topics than they actually do, according to a new study from the University of Texas at Austin. 

Sharing a news article, for instance, can make people think they know more about its subject even if they have not read it or have only glanced at the headline, the study says. 

"Sharing can create this rise in confidence because by putting information online, sharers publicly commit to an expert identity," the study says. "Doing so shapes their sense of self, helping them to feel just as knowledgeable as their post makes them seem."

5 GOOGLE MAPS, APPLE MAPS AND WAZE TIPS AND TRICKS YOU NEED TO TRY

The study, published online in advance in the Journal of Consumers Psychology, includes data from the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism that showed barely more than half of consumers read the entire article, while about a quarter read part of the story, and just over a fifth scan the headline and a few paragraphs. 

Marketing professor Susan M. Broniarczyk said people might feel they don’t need to read or learn additional information on a topic if they feel more knowledgeable about it. 

"This miscalibrated sense of knowledge can be hard to correct," Broniarczyk said. 

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5 Google Maps, Apple Maps and Waze tips and tricks you need to try

The convenience of GPS apps comes with a downside. Here’s how to see years of details everywhere you've used Google Maps. It’s a bit startling to see it all in one place. 

There are more private options. DuckDuckGo’s navigation service uses the framework of Apple Maps without all the tracking. Tap or click here to see how it works. 

Most of us will prefer to use the big hitters: Google, Apple, and Waze. Try these pro tricks to make them even more useful. 

PRIVACY TIP: 5 WAYS YOU'RE BEING TRACKED YOU MUST STOP RIGHT NOW 

1. Travel incognito  

When you navigate somewhere using Google Maps, location info is saved to your profile. If you want to go somewhere without seeing it pop up on your recent places, turn on Incognito mode. 

Why? Google Maps won’t keep your search history or update your location history to include this location. 

How to turn on Incognito mode on iPhone or Android: 

Open Google Maps, then tap your profile picture in the top right corner. 

Tap Turn on Incognito mode. 

If you use Waze, your username and more may appear on a publicly available map. Friends can also see your name and photo. To stop that, you can go invisible: 

​Tap My Waze > Settings > Privacy. 

Turn on Go invisible. 

RELATED: Incognito mode doesn't do what you might think - Here's the truth 

2. Use voice commands 

You want both hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road while driving. That can be tough when you’re trying to find your way. 

Use your voice instead. Try these commands, starting with "Hey Siri" or "OK, Google": 

"Get directions to (insert a location)." 

"Give me directions home." 

"Where am I?" 

"How long until I get there?" 

"Find a gas station." 

For more smart voice commands, check out this article: 7 best voice commands you can use on your iPhone or Android. 

3. Find cheaper fuel 

It can be worth driving a few extra miles for cheaper fuel — but best know where you’re going, or you'll waste more gas. 

Search for the cheapest gas stations nearby using the Waze app. Note: Gas prices are crowdsourced, so they might not always be up to date.

Here’s how it works: 

Open the Waze app. 

Tap the Where to? search bar and then tap the Gas stations icon. 

Your device will start looking around for the closest stations, with prices for each one. 

Want to see gas stations listed in order of price? Here’s how: 

Open Waze, then tap My Waze. 

Tap the settings icon at the top-left corner, then Gas stations. 

Select Price in the Sort stations by section. 

Tap or click for more ways to find the cheapest gas prices near you. 

Here's something fun to do with Waze. Change the voice to be yours, the kids', or even my voice. You can find the steps to create and use custom voices here on my site. 

4. Clear your location history 

Here's one for iPhone users. Like the rest, Apple Maps remembers your searches if you want to revisit a place you looked up in the past. You may want to delete your history. Here's how to do it. 

Open Apple Maps and swipe up to open the information panel. 

You’ll see your history under Recents. Tap Delete to delete a specific location.

To delete your complete history, tap See All > Clear. 

Use an Android? Tap or click here for steps to remove your Google Maps history. 

5. Send an alert if you’re running late 

When you’re running late, take a moment to let your family and friends know when you’ll be with them by sharing your route. 

To share your ETA in Google Maps: 

Tap Directions, choose your destination, then Start.

Swipe up and select Share trip progress.

Choose a contact and tap Share. Your location is shared only until you arrive. 

To share your ETA in Apple Maps: 

Look up your destination, then tap Directions and pick your route. 

Once you’re in navigation mode, say, "Hey Siri, share my ETA with my friend." 

Say your friend's name so Siri can recognize the person in your contacts list. Your friend will get a notification that you're on the way. 

To share your ETA in Waze: 

Start navigating to your destination, then tap Share drive. 

You can use a messaging app, email, or tap More options to copy or save the link. 

Your recipient will get a link where they can view your drive and ETA. 

HACKERS WANT GOOGLE ACCOUNTS; GIVE YOURS THIS SECURITY CHECK NOW

Keep your tech-know going  

My popular podcast is called "Kim Komando Today." It’s a solid 30 minutes of tech news, tips, and callers with tech questions like you from all over the country. Search for it wherever you get your podcasts. For your convenience, hit the link below for a recent episode. 

PODCAST PICK: Outlook ads, bad internet trick, Elon Musk Mars warning 

Live in an area with crappy internet? Try this trick. Plus, MS Flight Simulator’s new version is amazing, Outlook users won’t like a major change, the biggest gotcha using private mode, and my smart digital life advice to callers just like you. 

Find my podcast "Kim Komando Today" on Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcast player. 

Just search for my last name, "Komando." 

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Learn about all the latest technology on The Kim Komando Show, the nation's largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and dispenses advice on today's digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. 

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