Protecting Your Privacy in the Age of AI: A Simple Living Approach

When I first started using AI platforms, I was amazed by their abilities. But then this freedom-loving user learned something unsettling: these platforms often track our interactions, creating “profiles” to assess our behaviour. 

Some even use “tracking scores” to monitor what we ask, which could, in some cases, raise flags with authorities depending on where you live. 

In Canada, for example, laws like Bill C-11 (which regulates online content) have sparked concerns about increased data monitoring, a surprising shift for a country formerly known for its freedoms.

This discovery made me ask questions about how I use AI and other online tools. Is this really progress? And, how much do I need this in my life?

I realized that protecting my privacy isn’t just about staying safe. It’s also about personal freedom, mental well-being, and disturbing societal trends toward increased high-tech surveillance that scoops us all up in the same net whether we are ‘’doing something wrong’’ or not.

It is also about living simply and intentionally, free from the clutter of digital tracking. 

AI platforms often have “limits” on what they can discuss, designed to prevent misuse but also to comply with laws or company policies. While these limits aim to protect users, they can feel like a loss of control over finding out the truth.

The good news? You can take steps to safeguard your privacy and simplify your digital life. 

I started by deleting accounts and clearing the search history on platforms I might use again. 

These small actions gave me a sense of disconnecting from the machine, aligning with my goal of living with less digital intrusion. 

I also learned that protecting your privacy doesn’t require advanced tech skills, and that simple changes can make a big difference.

Here are three easy ways to get started:

1. Switch to a Privacy-Focused Browser: Use DuckDuckGo or Brave instead of mainstream search engines. These tools don’t track your searches, keeping your questions private.
2. Clear Your Digital Footprint: Regularly delete cookies and browsing history, or use “incognito” modes to reduce data collection.
3. Limit Personal Queries on AI: Avoid sharing sensitive details with AI platforms, and explore privacy guides online (try searching “protect digital privacy” on a secure browser).

By taking these steps, I’ve started to reclaim control over my digital life: a mental decluttering that is liberating and grounding.

Living simply means focusing on what matters, and protecting your privacy is a powerful way to do that in today’s connected world. 

If you’re curious about other ways to stay private online, a quick web search can point you to tools like VPNs or encrypted apps. 

Maybe don’t wait, and act while the information is still easy to find.

Or severely limit your use of your devices, which is one way to reclaim not only your privacy, but perhaps also your life.

Are you concerned with online privacy, and increasing surveillance by private and government actors?

To Live Happily, Live Hidden

The phrase "pour vivre heureux vivons cachés" is a French proverb which translates to "to live happily, live hidden." 

This proverb suggests that happiness can be achieved by keeping a low profile and avoiding unnecessary attention or intrusion. It emphasizes the importance of privacy in leading a content and fulfilling life.

This reflects the idea that living a simple, private life away from the spotlight can contribute to personal happiness and well-being. 

By avoiding unnecessary attention and focusing on what truly matters, one can cultivate a deeper appreciation for life's experiences and relationships, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling existence.

Oversharing on social media is definitely out.

This French proverb shares similarities with other philosophical and spiritual traditions, such as Stoicism and Buddhism, which emphasize the importance of detachment from material possessions and external validation in the pursuit of inner peace and contentment.

By embracing these lessons, just like the fox and the grey man, one can create a life that prioritizes privacy, self-sufficiency, and solitude, ultimately maximizing happiness and personal growth.

What do you think? Do you like a life that is out there, or do you prefer the privacy and simplicity of life away from it all?