Does the U.S. Government Value Your Privacy?

Passed this week, the new bill repeals the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC’s) privacy regulations that protect the private data of Americans. If this bill is signed into law, Internet service providers (ISPs) will be able to collect and sell consumers’ private browsing habits and data to advertisers and beyond without their consent. So, your internet provider, whether it’s Comcast, Verizon, or another service, will know which devices you’re using, when you’re using them, and what you’re using them for. They’ll know your geolocation, which websites you visit, the bank you use, your health status, which shows you watch, and more. So, how can you keep your private data safe?

Your online privacy and security is more important than ever, and your sensitive data is now more vulnerable. Luckily, there is a way that you can improve your mobile security and the general security of your information. Using DFNDR’s Applock feature allows you to lock specific apps with a unique password, meaning that even if a thief or snooping family member figured out how to bypass your lock screen, your sensitive data would be protected by a second barrier. Click the button above to lock apps that contain sensitive information, such as your email account, Facebook, contacts, text messages, images, and any other app that you want to secure. That way, malicious individuals will not be able to access and steal your personal information.

Read More: WikiLeaks Releases CIA Documents Exposing Spying Tactics

Secure Your Data

The FCC’s privacy rules passed during the previous administration required customers to give ISPs consent before the ISP could use their data. The ISP would then have to inform them on what they collected, why, and what it would be used for. The FCC’s rules also required that ISPs protect their consumers’ data from theft and data breaches. The Republican senators’ voted to eliminate all of these regulations. This means that your personal, private information will be collected and sold by major corporations that have no obligation to secure the data that they take from you. In addition, the bill prevents the FCC from introducing any new initiatives that aim to protect user data.

This will have a number of consequences, beyond just making your information more easily available to hackers. For instance, your Internet providers will be able to view your browsing history, which web pages you visit, who you email, and who you speak to online. Search engines such as Google are already able to track your browsing history, but ISPs will have access to even more information about you, and will be allowed to sell this information to marketers.

The future of Internet security is uncertain under the current administration, so it’s vital to begin taking measures now to protect your data. DFNDR’s security and privacy features are designed to help you retain complete control over who has access to your private information. Check back for more security updates on how you can stay safe on your devices.