MaskMyTracks.com

Your Home Is Your Castle

• Police need a warrant to enter (with rare exceptions).
• Your home and personal effects are shielded from unreasonable searches.

Your Stuff & Communications

• Letters, calls, emails, and texts are protected from unreasonable government searches.
• Access generally requires a warrant or court order.

Your Beliefs & Associations

• You can join groups, practice religion, and speak freely.
• The government can’t force disclosure without strong reasons.

Your Body & Family Choices

• Court-recognized privacy in marriage, parenting, and intimate life.
• Details can vary by state and change over time.

Your Medical Information

• Protected by HIPAA if held by healthcare providers.
• You have rights to access and correct your health records.

Your Finances & Consumer Data

• Banks and businesses must protect personal financial info.
• Some states grant extra rights (know, delete, opt out).

Children’s Privacy

• COPPA requires parental consent for data on kids under 13.
• Protections for teens are weaker.

Important Limits

• Privacy is balanced with law enforcement and security needs.
• Protections differ in workplaces, schools, and borders.

Your Devices Are Your Castle

• Phones, laptops, and cloud accounts generally require a warrant to search.
• Border searches have fewer restrictions.

Emails, Texts, and Social Media

• ECPA protects against interception, but is outdated.
• Cloud storage and messaging apps may fall into gray areas.

Online Beliefs & Communities

• First Amendment protects your expression online from government limits.
• Private platforms can moderate or ban under their terms.

Health & Family Data Online

• Medical portals are covered by HIPAA; fitness trackers and apps usually are not.
• App data and search histories can be sold or subpoenaed.

Shopping & Consumer Data Online

• Some state laws let you opt out of data sales.
• Data brokers can often legally collect and resell information.

Children Online

• COPPA applies under age 13.
• Teens have very limited privacy protections online.

Surveillance & Tracking

• Government can monitor internet activity under certain laws.
• Corporations track and monetize your data unless state law restricts it.

Anonymity Online

• You have a First Amendment right to anonymous speech in many contexts, extended online.
• Platforms can enforce real-name policies, and courts can compel identity disclosure via subpoenas.
• Law enforcement and metadata tracking can undermine practical anonymity.

Tip: To strengthen anonymity, use VPNs, Tor Browser, or burner accounts — but remember, no tool guarantees complete invisibility.

Secure Your Devices

• Use strong passcodes or biometrics; auto-lock in minutes.
• Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) for email, banking, socials.
• Keep OS and apps updated; remove apps you don’t use.

Control Your Online Data

• Harden privacy settings on social/media accounts.
• Delete search & location history regularly.
• Use privacy-friendly browsers or profiles for sensitive tasks.

Limit Data Collection

• Opt out of targeted ads (Google/Meta settings, device ad IDs).
• Use tracker/ad blockers; disable third-party cookies.
• Turn off app permissions you don’t need (location, mic, camera).

Protect Your Finances

• Monitor credit reports; set alerts for new accounts.
• Use virtual cards or wallets (Apple/Google Pay) at checkout.
• Shred sensitive mail; beware of phishing texts/emails.

Guard Health Data

• Use official patient portals; confirm HIPAA coverage.
• Be cautious with wellness/period/DNA apps; they’re often not HIPAA-covered.
• Use aliases for sensitive forums; avoid linking real identity.

Keep Kids Safe Online

• Enable parental controls and kid-safe modes.
• Review app permissions and in-app chats.
• Teach kids to avoid oversharing personal info.

Think Before You Share

• Avoid posting your home address, birthday, or travel plans.
• Use separate emails for shopping, work, and personal life.
• Be cautious with DNA testing; data may be stored long-term.

Know Your State’s Rights

• Some states (e.g., CA, CO, VA) grant rights to access/delete/opt-out.
• Use company privacy portals to make requests.
• File complaints with regulators for misuse or breaches.