The Private Citizen Project · Free
5-Minute Wins
Five small changes you can make today, with no signup. Each one says whether I've done it myself yet.
Turn on 2-step login for your main email
Your email can reset almost every other account, so protect it first. Open your account's security settings and turn on 2-step verification. If it offers an authenticator app, pick that over text messages.
I do this
Save your recovery codes
Most accounts give you backup codes for when you lose your phone. Print them or write them down, and keep them somewhere safe at home.
Still testing this myself
Check what your apps can see
On iPhone, go to Settings, then Privacy & Security. On Android, look for the Permission manager under Privacy in Settings. Turn off location, microphone, camera and contacts for anything that doesn't need them.
Still testing this myself
Stop apps from tracking you for ads
On iPhone, go to Settings, then Privacy & Security, then Tracking, and turn off Allow Apps to Request to Track. On Android, go to Settings, then Privacy, then Ads, and delete your advertising ID.
Still testing this myself
Use a browser that isn't built around ads
Install Firefox, then go to Settings, Privacy & Security and choose Strict tracking protection. If a site breaks, you can turn protection off for just that site.
Still testing this myself
Written in November 2026. Phones and apps change their menus, so look for the closest match. This won't make you invisible, but it does close the easy gaps.