How to stay safe and secure on the internet?

Lately, a lot of relatives and friends have been asking about ways to have more privacy online. Getting ads for chocolate chips after searching for the same on Google is one thing but what about the indirect outcome of searches for serious issues, like mental health or medicines? In her recently-published book Privacy is Power, Carissa Veliz writes: “If you’re reading this book, you probably already know your personal data is being collected, stored and analysed.”

There has been a change — for the better — of attitude towards privacy in the last couple of years but there are plenty of issues that need to be tackled. We often get asked about some apps and terms related to privacy. Here’s a ready reckoner.