You never signed up to be tracked like a delivery truck. But here we are. Your phone doesn’t just know where you are. It knows where you almost went. The tab you almost clicked. The DM you almost sent. You lingered on a playlist called ”sad indie summer”. Looked at a post for just long enough for the feed to whisper: ah, yes, this one’s spiraling.

Some of the tracking is obvious, like using a map or logging your workout. But a lot of it’s just… happening. Bluetooth connecting in the background. Your photos auto-tagging locations. Even the way you scroll at night, what you hover on, how long you linger on a post, it all becomes part of your profile. And companies can’t get enough of it.

They piece together those traces to predict your next move and nudge you toward choices that work best for them. They decide which ads pop up, tweak your feed to keep you scrolling, and suggest things to buy before you even realize you want them. They can guess your mood, your habits, even your next move (sometimes so spot-on it’s creepy).

It’s not just about tracking where you go; it’s about shaping who you are, one click at a time. And behind the scenes, your data is sold to companies you’ve never heard of, for reasons you didn’t sign off on. Every choice you make adds to the puzzle, building a picture of you, whether you like it or not.

The good news is that you don’t have to throw your phone into a lake to take back some control. Small changes can make a big difference in how much of your story gets shared.

Here’s how to keep them guessing and stay in control:

Claim your CCTV footage: Under GDPR, you have the right to access footage of yourself. Start by finding out who owns the camera (there’s usually a sign nearby), then ask for the clip. Include the date, time, and place. They might need ID to confirm it’s really you, and they’ve got 30 days to reply. Because even that awkward stumble outside your local grocery store is your data.

Check your app permissions: If an app wants your location but isn’t literally helping you find something, maybe it doesn’t need it.

Turn off passive tracking: Bluetooth, background location, motion sensors. They love sharing when you’re not looking. Turn them off when you don’t need them. Your future self will thank you.

Use privacy tools: VPNs, private browsers, and tracker blockers won’t erase your footprint, but they help blur the edges.

Location sharing: You don’t have to share where you are 24/7. Set a timer. Post after you’ve left. Be where you are, not where your feed thinks you should be.

Know your rights (and use them): In the EU, GDPR lets you access or delete data collected about your movements. It’s a few clicks, not a court case.

You don’t have to go off the grid, just be a bit sneaky. Go where you want, when you want, and let them keep guessing.