DeepSeek vs Gemini vs Mistral: Data Privacy

Prompt
Protect personal data online - privacy settings and strategies
DeepSeekDeepSeek
Protect personal data online - privacy settings and strategies

Of course. Protecting your personal data online is a continuous process, not a one-time setup. It involves a combination of strategic settings and behavioral habits.

Here is a comprehensive guide to help you take control of your digital privacy.

Part 1: The Foundation - Core Privacy Settings

Think of this as your "Privacy Tune-Up." Go through these for every account and device you own.

1. Social Media Privacy


This is often the biggest source of personal data leakage.
  • Facebook:

  • Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings.

  • Privacy: Limit past posts to "Friends." Set "Who can see your future posts?" to "Friends." Restrict who can look you up by email/phone.

  • Location: Disable "Location History."

  • Face Recognition: Consider disabling this.

  • Ads: Go to Ads > Ad Settings. Set "Data about your activity from partners," "Categories used to reach you," and "Audience-based advertising" all to "Not Allowed."

  • Instagram:

  • Go to your Profile > Menu (three lines) > Settings and Privacy.

  • Set your account to Private (highly recommended).

  • Under How others can interact with you, disable "Allow Tags From" everyone and restrict messages from unknown people.

  • In Ads, limit the use of your activity data.

  • Twitter / X:

  • Go to Settings and Support > Settings and Privacy.

  • Privacy and Safety: Protect your posts. Disable "Photo Tagging." Disable all options under "Direct Messages."

  • Audience and tagging: Disable "Anyone" for location and tagging.

  • Data sharing and off-Twitter activity: Disable everything here.


2. Google Account Settings


Google knows a vast amount about you. Taming it is crucial.
  • Go to myaccount.google.com.

  • Data & Privacy: This is your control center.

  • Web & App Activity: Pause this. This stops Google from saving your searches and activity from other sites.

  • Location History: Pause this. This is one of the most sensitive data points.

  • YouTube History: Pause "Watch History" and "Search History" if you don't want recommendations based on your activity.

  • Ad Personalization: Turn this off. You'll see less relevant ads, but Google will build a less detailed profile of you.

  • Results about you: Use this tool to request the removal of your personal contact info from Google Search results.


3. Your Web Browser


Your browser is your window to the internet; configure it to be private.
  • Use a Privacy-Focused Browser: Consider Brave, Firefox (with strict privacy settings), or Safari (on Apple devices).

  • Adjust Settings:

  • Block Third-Party Cookies: This is a default setting in many modern browsers, but check to ensure it's on.

  • Send "Do Not Track" Requests: While not all sites honor it, it doesn't hurt to enable it.

  • Block Pop-ups.

  • Use Extensions (Carefully):

  • uBlock Origin: A powerful, efficient ad-blocker that also blocks many trackers.

  • Privacy Badger: From the EFF, it automatically learns and blocks invisible trackers.

  • HTTPS Everywhere: Forces sites to use a secure, encrypted connection.


4. Smartphone & App Permissions


Your phone is a tracking device in your pocket.
  • iOS (iPhone):

  • Go to Settings > Privacy & Security.

  • Tracking: Disable "Allow Apps to Request to Track."

  • Location Services: Review each app. Does a calculator app really need your location? Set most to "Never" or "While Using."

  • App Privacy Report: See how often apps are using the permissions you've granted them.

  • Android:

  • Go to Settings > Privacy.

  • Permission Manager: Review what each app can access (Camera, Microphone, Location, etc.). Revoke unnecessary permissions.

  • Ads: Tap "Advertising ID" and opt out of ad personalization.


Part 2: Proactive Strategies & Habits

Settings are just the first step. Your daily habits are equally important.

1. Master Your Passwords


  • Use a Password Manager: LastPass, Bitwarden, or 1Password are essential. They create and store strong, unique passwords for every site. You only need to remember one master password.

  • Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Everywhere: This is the single most effective security upgrade after a strong password. Use an app like Google Authenticator or Authy instead of SMS if possible.


2. Be Smart on Public Wi-Fi


Public Wi-Fi is a hunting ground for data thieves.
  • Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network): A VPN encrypts all the data going to and from your device, making it unreadable to anyone on the same network. Choose a reputable, paid VPN service (e.g., ProtonVPN, Mullvad, NordVPN).


3. Think Before You Share


  • Oversharing on Social Media: Avoid posting your full birthdate, home address, or real-time location ("Leaving for vacation for two weeks!").

  • Phishing Scams: Be skeptical of emails, texts, or calls asking for personal info. Don't click suspicious links. Go directly to the company's website by typing the URL yourself.


4. Minimize Your Digital Footprint


  • Use Alternative Search Engines: DuckDuckGo or Startpage don't track your searches or build a profile of you.

  • Use an Alias: For non-critical sign-ups (newsletters, free trials), use a separate email alias. Services like SimpleLogin or AnonAddy can create these for you.

  • Unsubscribe and Delete: Regularly delete old accounts you no longer use. A site like JustDeleteMe can help.


5. Keep Software Updated


Always install the latest updates for your operating system, browser, and apps. These updates often include critical security patches for newly discovered vulnerabilities.

Part 3: Advanced: Shifting Your Mindset


  • Assume You Are Being Tracked: Operate with the understanding that most free services make money by monetizing your attention and data. The product is you.

  • Embrace "Privacy by Design": Make the more private choice your default. Choose the privacy-focused app, the search engine that doesn't track, and the "no" option for data sharing.

  • Data Minimization: Only provide the information that is absolutely necessary. If a form asks for optional data, leave it blank.


Quick-Start Action Plan

If this feels overwhelming, start here:

  • This Week: Review the privacy settings on your primary social media account and your Google account. Pause Web & App Activity and Location History.

  • Next Week: Install a password manager and update your top 10 most important accounts (email, bank, social media) with strong, unique passwords and enable 2FA.

  • The Following Week: Install uBlock Origin and Privacy Badger on your main web browser.

  • Ongoing: Make it a habit to review app permissions on your phone every few months.


Privacy is a right, not a privilege. By taking these proactive steps, you shift the balance of power back to yourself and make it significantly harder for companies and malicious actors to exploit your personal information.

22:46
GeminiGoogle
Protect personal data online - privacy settings and strategies

Protecting Personal Data Online: Privacy Settings and Strategies

In today's digital world, protecting your personal data is more important than ever. Here's a comprehensive guide to privacy settings and strategies you can implement to safeguard your information online:

I. Understanding the Landscape:

  • Data Collection: Recognize that most online services collect data about you. This data can include your browsing history, search queries, location, demographics, and more.

  • Data Usage: Understand how companies use your data. It can be used for targeted advertising, personalized experiences, data analytics, and potentially shared with third parties.

  • Privacy Risks: Be aware of the risks of data breaches, identity theft, and unwanted tracking.


II. Core Principles for Online Privacy:
  • Minimize Data Sharing: Only provide necessary information when required.

  • Strong Passwords and Security: Use strong, unique passwords for each account, and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible.

  • Privacy-Focused Tools: Utilize privacy-enhancing tools and browser extensions.

  • Regular Review and Updates: Regularly review your privacy settings and update them as needed.

  • Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date on privacy best practices and emerging threats.


III. Specific Platforms and Settings:

A. Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, etc.):

  • Privacy Settings:

  • Profile Visibility: Control who can see your posts, profile information, and friends list. Set it to "Friends" or "Only Me" where appropriate.

  • Tagging: Review and approve tags before they appear on your profile.

  • Location Services: Disable location tracking or limit its use to when you're actively using the app.

  • Ad Preferences: Review and adjust your ad preferences to limit personalized ads based on your data.

  • Data Collection: Understand the types of data collected and how it's used.

  • Third-Party Apps: Review and remove access for third-party apps that you no longer use.

  • Strategies:

  • Be mindful of what you share: Avoid posting sensitive information like your home address, phone number, or travel plans.

  • Use a strong and unique password: Don't reuse passwords across different platforms.

  • Be cautious of suspicious links: Avoid clicking on links from unknown sources.

  • Report suspicious activity: Report any instances of harassment, spam, or impersonation.

  • Consider limiting your presence: If privacy is a major concern, consider reducing your activity or deleting your account altogether.


B. Search Engines (Google, DuckDuckGo, etc.):
  • Privacy Settings:

  • Google Account Activity Controls: Manage your web and app activity, location history, and YouTube history.

  • Ad Personalization: Disable personalized ads based on your Google activity.

  • DuckDuckGo: Use a privacy-focused search engine like DuckDuckGo that doesn't track your searches or personalize results.

  • Strategies:

  • Use a VPN: A VPN can encrypt your internet traffic and hide your IP address.

  • Clear your browsing history and cookies regularly: This helps prevent tracking.

  • Use a private browsing mode: Incognito mode in Chrome or Private Browsing in Firefox prevents your browser from saving your history and cookies.


C. Email (Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, etc.):
  • Privacy Settings:

  • Security Settings: Enable two-factor authentication (2FA).

  • Privacy Options: Review your privacy settings and adjust them as needed.

  • Spam Filters: Utilize spam filters to block unwanted emails.

  • Strategies:

  • Be cautious of phishing emails: Don't click on links or download attachments from unknown senders.

  • Use a strong and unique password: Don't reuse passwords across different platforms.

  • Use a secure email provider: Consider using a privacy-focused email provider like ProtonMail or Tutanota that encrypts your emails.

  • Enable encryption: Use email encryption tools to protect the content of your emails.

  • Don't share sensitive information via email: Avoid sending sensitive information like your bank account details or social security number via email.


D. Browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.):
  • Privacy Settings:

  • Tracking Prevention: Enable tracking prevention features to block third-party trackers.

  • Cookie Management: Control which cookies are allowed and block third-party cookies.

  • Permissions: Review and manage website permissions for microphone, camera, location, etc.

  • Strategies:

  • Use a privacy-focused browser: Consider using a browser like Firefox with enhanced tracking protection or Brave.

  • Install privacy-enhancing browser extensions: Use extensions like Privacy Badger, uBlock Origin, or Ghostery to block trackers and ads.

  • Clear your browsing history and cookies regularly: This helps prevent tracking.

  • Use a VPN: A VPN can encrypt your internet traffic and hide your IP address.


E. Mobile Devices (iOS and Android):
  • Privacy Settings:

  • Location Services: Control which apps have access to your location.

  • Ad Tracking: Limit ad tracking in your device settings.

  • App Permissions: Review and manage app permissions for microphone, camera, contacts, etc.

  • Strategies:

  • Review app permissions before installing: Only install apps that you trust and that request reasonable permissions.

  • Disable location services for apps that don't need it: Only allow location access when you're actively using the app.

  • Use a VPN: A VPN can encrypt your internet traffic and hide your IP address.

  • Keep your device and apps updated: Security updates often include fixes for privacy vulnerabilities.


IV. Advanced Privacy Strategies:
  • Virtual Private Network (VPN): Encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address, making it harder to track your online activity.

  • Tor Browser: Routes your internet traffic through a network of relays, making it extremely difficult to trace your activity. (Note: Tor can significantly slow down your internet speed.)

  • Password Manager: Securely stores and manages your passwords, reducing the risk of password reuse. (e.g., LastPass, 1Password, Bitwarden)

  • End-to-End Encryption: Use messaging apps with end-to-end encryption to protect the privacy of your conversations. (e.g., Signal, WhatsApp with end-to-end encryption enabled)

  • Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring a second verification method in addition to your password.

  • Data Subject Access Requests (DSAR): In many jurisdictions (e.g., GDPR in Europe, CCPA in California), you have the right to request access to the data that companies hold about you. You can also request that they delete your data.

  • Privacy-Focused Operating Systems: Consider using operating systems designed with privacy in mind, such as Tails or Qubes OS. These are generally for more advanced users.

  • Metadata Removal: Remove metadata from photos and documents before sharing them online. Metadata can reveal sensitive information such as location, camera settings, and author information.

  • Use temporary or disposable email addresses: When signing up for services you don't fully trust, use a temporary email address to protect your primary email address from spam and data breaches.

  • Be aware of facial recognition: Be mindful of where you are being photographed and consider the privacy implications of facial recognition technology.


V. Key Considerations:
  • Convenience vs. Privacy: Balancing convenience and privacy is a personal decision. Implementing all the strategies above might make your online experience less seamless.

  • No Silver Bullet: No single method guarantees complete online privacy. A combination of strategies is most effective.

  • Continuous Learning: The online landscape is constantly evolving. Stay informed about new threats and privacy-enhancing tools.


VI. Resources:

By taking these steps, you can significantly improve your online privacy and protect your personal data from unauthorized access and misuse. Remember that privacy is an ongoing process, and it's important to stay vigilant and adapt your strategies as needed.
22:46
MistralMistral AI
Protect personal data online - privacy settings and strategies

Protecting personal data online is crucial in today's digital age. Here are some key privacy settings and strategies to help you safeguard your information:

Privacy Settings


  • Social Media Platforms:

  • Facebook: Go to "Settings & Privacy" > "Privacy" and adjust who can see your future posts, friends list, and other information.

  • Instagram: Go to "Settings" > "Privacy" and adjust settings for account privacy, story, and activity status.

  • Twitter: Go to "Settings and privacy" > "Privacy and safety" and adjust settings for tweet privacy, location information, and more.

  • LinkedIn: Go to "Settings & Privacy" > "Privacy" and adjust settings for profile visibility, connections, and more.

  • Email Services:

  • Gmail: Go to "Settings" > "See all settings" > "General" and adjust settings for image blocking, external content, and more.

  • Outlook: Go to "Settings" > "View all Outlook settings" > "Privacy" and adjust settings for focused inbox, external content, and more.

  • Web Browsers:

  • Google Chrome: Go to "Settings" > "Privacy and security" and adjust settings for cookies, site data, and more.

  • Mozilla Firefox: Go to "Settings" > "Privacy & Security" and adjust settings for enhanced tracking protection, cookies, and more.

  • Safari: Go to "Preferences" > "Privacy" and adjust settings for website tracking, cookies, and more.

  • Mobile Devices:

  • iOS: Go to "Settings" > "Privacy & Security" and adjust settings for location services, app permissions, and more.

  • Android: Go to "Settings" > "Privacy" and adjust settings for location services, app permissions, and more.


Strategies


  • Use Strong, Unique Passwords:

  • Use a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.

  • Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible.

  • Limit Sharing of Personal Information:

  • Be cautious about sharing sensitive information like your address, phone number, and birthdate.

  • Avoid oversharing on social media and public forums.

  • Regularly Update Software:

  • Keep your operating system, apps, and browsers up to date to protect against known vulnerabilities.

  • Use Secure Connections:

  • Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities like online banking.

  • Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your internet traffic.

  • Be Wary of Phishing Attempts:

  • Do not click on suspicious links or download attachments from unknown sources.

  • Verify the authenticity of emails and messages before taking any action.

  • Review and Manage App Permissions:

  • Regularly review the permissions granted to apps on your devices.

  • Remove unnecessary permissions and uninstall apps you no longer use.

  • Use Privacy-Focused Tools:

  • Consider using privacy-focused browsers like Brave or DuckDuckGo.

  • Use encrypted messaging apps like Signal or WhatsApp for secure communication.

  • Monitor Your Digital Footprint:

  • Regularly search for your name and email address to see what information is publicly available.

  • Use services like Google Alerts to monitor mentions of your name online.

  • Educate Yourself on Privacy Policies:

  • Read and understand the privacy policies of the services you use.

  • Be aware of how your data is collected, used, and shared.

  • Backup Important Data:

  • Regularly back up important data to protect against loss or ransomware attacks.

  • Use secure cloud storage services or external hard drives for backups.


By implementing these privacy settings and strategies, you can significantly enhance your online privacy and protect your personal data.

22:46

💡 Try this comparison yourself:Compare AI models side-by-side on SNEOS

Analysis

This comparison demonstrates the different approaches each AI model takes when responding to the same prompt. Here are the key differences observed:

Response Characteristics

DeepSeek: Provides a direct response with 113 sentences.

Gemini: Provides a direct response with 103 sentences.

Mistral: Provides a direct response with 46 sentences.

Key Takeaways

  • Each model brings unique strengths to this type of query
  • Response styles vary significantly between models
  • Consider your specific use case when choosing between these models

Try This Comparison Yourself

Want to test these models with your own prompts? Visit SNEOS.com to compare AI responses side-by-side in real-time.

This comparison was generated using the SNEOS AI Comparison ToolPublished: September 30, 2025 | Models: DeepSeek, Gemini, Mistral