Opt out of AI training datasets immediately.

Your Data and AI Models

Many companies use publicly available information and customer data to train artificial intelligence models. You can take steps to limit how your data is used. This guide provides instructions for managing your settings across major platforms and services.

Major Technology Platforms

Start with the accounts you use every day. These platforms collect significant data that may be used for AI development.

Google

Google uses data to personalize services and develop new technologies.

1. Stop Saving Activity: Go to your Google Activity controls page (myactivity.google.com/activitycontrols).
2. Pause Web & App Activity. This stops Google from saving your activity on Google sites and apps, including your searches and Chrome browsing history. You can also delete your past activity here.
3. Manage AI-Specific Settings: Visit Google's Privacy Policy page and look for tools related to generative AI. Google is introducing more granular controls, such as the ability to opt out of having your public Google Docs or other content used.

Meta (Facebook & Instagram)

Meta uses user content to train its generative AI models.

1. Access the Opt-Out Form: Navigate to the "Generative AI Data Subject Rights" form for your region. For Europe, use the dedicated GDPR form. For other regions, search for Meta's generative AI privacy policy to find the relevant link.
2. Submit Your Request: Fill out the form to object to your information being used for AI training. You may need to state your reason, citing privacy concerns.

Microsoft

Microsoft collects data from Windows and its online services.

1. Windows OS: Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Diagnostics & feedback.
   • Turn off Send optional diagnostic data.
   • Turn off Improve inking and typing.
2. Microsoft Account: Sign in to your Microsoft account ataccount.microsoft.com/privacy. Review your privacy dashboard to clear browsing, search, and location history.
3. Microsoft Copilot: Microsoft trains its AI on public web data. When using Copilot, your conversation history may be used unless you use Copilot Pro with specific privacy settings enabled. Avoid entering sensitive personal information.

Apple

Apple generally trains its models, like Siri, using anonymized, opt-in data. It's still good practice to review your settings.

1. macOS: Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Analytics & Improvements. Uncheck all sharing options.
2. iOS & iPadOS: Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Analytics & Improvements. Turn off all sharing toggles.
3. Siri & Dictation: On iOS, go to Settings > Siri & Search > Siri & Dictation History to delete any stored server interactions.

Creative & Public Content

If you post creative work online, you can take steps to prevent it from being included in image generation datasets.

• "noai" Tag: When uploading images to platforms like ArtStation and DeviantArt, add the noai or noimageai tag to your work. This signals to automated web crawlers that you do not consent to its use for AI training.
• Have I Been Trained?: Visit the Have I Been Trained? website (haveibeentrained.com) to see if your artwork is in popular image training datasets. The site provides a process to request that your work be opted out of future versions of these models.
• Glaze and Nightshade: For artists, consider using tools like Glaze and Nightshade from the University of Chicago.
  • Glaze adds subtle changes to your artwork to mislead AI models trying to learn your artistic style.
  • Nightshade "poisons" the data, causing AI models that train on it to produce unpredictable and corrupted results.

AI Chat Services

You can prevent your conversations with AI models from being used for future training.

OpenAI (ChatGPT)

1. Opt Out of Chat History Training:
   • Log in to ChatGPT.
   • Click your name in the bottom-left corner and select Settings.
   • Go to Data Controls and turn off Chat history & training. Your conversations will no longer be used for training and will be deleted from your history after 30 days.

Google Gemini

1. Manage Activity: Go to the Gemini Apps Activity page (myactivity.google.com/product/gemini).
2. Turn Off Activity: Click Turn off to prevent your future conversations from being saved to your Google Account and reviewed for training purposes. You can also delete your past activity on this page.

General Web Browsing

Reduce your data footprint across the web to limit what can be scraped by AI companies and data brokers.

• Browser Choice: Use a privacy-focused browser like Brave or Firefox, which block trackers by default.
• Browser Extensions: If you use Chrome or Safari, install extensions like uBlock Origin to block ads and trackers, and Privacy Badger to learn to block invisible trackers.
• Data Broker Removal: Your personal information is often collected and sold by data brokers. This data can be incorporated into AI datasets.
  • Manual Opt-Out: You can manually visit the websites of major data brokers (e.g., Acxiom, Oracle, Equifax) and follow their opt-out procedures. This can be time-consuming but IS WORTH IT.
  • Automated Services: Consider a subscription service like DeleteMe or Kanary. These services automatically send removal requests to hundreds of data brokers on your behalf. Find and use free ones if you can. Better still start a new independent profile, which makes data broker info on you stale, and irrelevant.

Opting Out of AI Training Datasets

This guide provides step-by-step instructions to limit your data's inclusion in AI training datasets. While complete prevention isn't guaranteed, these steps significantly reduce your digital footprint's availability for training purposes.

Web Browsers

Safari

1. Open Safari > Settings > Privacy
2. Enable "Prevent cross-site tracking"
3. Enable "Hide IP address from trackers"
4. Under Website Tracking, select "Block all cookies" if feasible for your use

Chrome

1. Navigate to Settings > Privacy and security
2. Select "Enhanced protection" under Safe Browsing
3. Turn on "Send a 'Do Not Track' request"
4. Under Third-party cookies, select "Block third-party cookies"

Firefox

1. Open Settings > Privacy & Security
2. Select "Strict" under Enhanced Tracking Protection
3. Check "Send websites a Do Not Track request"

Operating System Settings

macOS

1. System Settings > Privacy & Security > Privacy
2. Under Analytics & Improvements, uncheck all sharing options
3. In Siri & Dictation settings, toggle off "Improve Siri & Dictation"

iOS

1. Settings > Privacy & Security > Analytics & Improvements
2. Toggle off "Share iPhone Analytics"
3. Settings > Siri & Search > toggle off "Improve Siri & Dictation"

Windows 11

1. Settings > Privacy & security > Diagnostics & feedback
2. Set Diagnostic data to "Required diagnostic data only"
3. Toggle off "Improve inking & typing"
4. Toggle off "Tailored experiences"

Android

1. Settings > Google > Ads > Toggle on "Opt out of Ads Personalization"
2. Settings > Privacy > Usage & diagnostics > Toggle off

Major Platform Opt-Outs

X (Twitter)

1. Settings > Privacy and safety > Grok
2. Uncheck "Allow your posts to be used for training Grok"

LinkedIn

1. Settings & Privacy > Data privacy > Data for Generative AI Improvement
2. Toggle off "Use my data for training content creation AI models"

Reddit

1. User Settings > Privacy tab
2. Toggle off "Improve Reddit based on my activity"

AI Company Specific Opt-Outs

OpenAI

1. Visit platform.openai.com/account/api-keys
2. Navigate to Data Controls
3. Submit opt-out form at support.openai.com under "Data Privacy Request"

Anthropic

Email [email protected] with subject "Data Opt-Out Request"

Microsoft Copilot

1. Visit account.microsoft.com/privacy
2. Select "Manage how Microsoft uses your data"
3. Toggle off "Let Microsoft use your activity history"

Data Brokers and Aggregators

Major Data Broker Opt-Outs

Visit these sites directly to submit opt-out requests:

• optout.aboutads.info (Digital Advertising Alliance)
• optout.networkadvertising.org (Network Advertising Initiative)
• optout.privacyrights.info (Privacy Rights Clearinghouse tool)

Individual Broker Sites

Create opt-out requests at:

• acxiom.com/about-us/privacy/
• epsilon.com/us/consumer-preference-center
• oracle.com/legal/privacy/privacy-choices

Image and Creative Work Protection

Image Metadata

1. Use EXIF removal tools before uploading images
2. On Mac: Preview > Tools > Show Inspector > Remove Location Info. <<< VERY VERY IMPORTANT
3. On iPhone: Share photo > Options > Toggle off "All Photos Data"

Robots.txt for Personal Websites

Add to your site's robots.txt file:

User-agent: GPTBot
Disallow: /

User-agent: CCBot
Disallow: /

User-agent: anthropic-ai
Disallow: /

User-agent: Claude-Web
Disallow: /

Email Communications

Gmail

1. Settings > General > Smart features and personalization
2. Toggle off both options for smart features

Outlook

1. Settings > General > Privacy and data
2. Toggle off "Help improve Outlook"

Additional Measures

DNS-Level Blocking

Consider using privacy-focused DNS services:

• 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare)
• 9.9.9.9 (Quad9)

VPN Usage

A VPN adds an additional privacy layer, though it doesn't directly prevent AI training data collection.

Regular Data Deletion

1. Periodically delete old social media posts
2. Remove unused accounts
3. Clear browser history and cookies regularly

Verification Steps

After implementing these changes:

1. Visit privacy.apple.com to review Apple data
2. Use Google Takeout to verify reduced data collection
3. Check Facebook's "Access Your Information" tool
4. Review privacy dashboards on each platform annually

Limitations

These steps reduce but cannot eliminate all data collection. Publicly posted content remains accessible for scraping. Which is awful. SO STOP POSTING UNLESS YOU HAVE TO.
Terms of service changes may affect opt-out status. Please remember, they draw you in with nice shiny terms, and then send you emails they know you'll ignore as they decide to help themselves to everything that makes you... well you.
Review your perimeter settings quarterly to ensure they remain active. AI trainers = Velociraptors. These steps = Your Electrified Fence.

Prune Subscriptions.

Oh my. This is a biggie.

Taking Control of Your Subscriptions

Subscriptions, both paid and free, accumulate over time. A systematic review allows you to keep only the services you value. This guide provides a direct process to discover, evaluate, and cancel your subscriptions immediately.

Step 1: Discover Every Subscription

To begin, you need a complete list of your recurring commitments.

Review Financial Statements

This is the definitive method for finding all paid subscriptions.

1. Open your online bank and credit card statements for the last 12 months.
2. Search for recurring charges. Use keywords like "subscription," "membership," "recurring," "monthly," and "annual."
3. List each recurring charge, including the service name and the amount.

Check Your Operating Systems

Mobile and desktop operating systems manage subscriptions purchased through their app stores.

• On iPhone & iPad: Go to Settings > Tap your name > Subscriptions. This will show all active and expired subscriptions tied to your Apple ID.
• On Mac: Open the App Store. Click your name in the bottom-left corner, then click Account Settings. Scroll to the Subscriptions section and click Manage.
• On Android: Open the Google Play Store app. Tap your profile icon in the top-right, then select Payments & subscriptions > Subscriptions.

Search Your Email

Your email inbox contains a record of sign-ups and payments.

1. Open your primary email account.
2. Search for terms like "subscription confirmed," "welcome to," "your invoice," "your receipt," "order summary," and "unsubscribe."
3. This will help you find both paid services and unpaid email newsletters.

Step 2: Evaluate Each Subscription

With your complete list, decide what to keep. For each subscription, ask these questions:

• Usage: Have I used this in the last three months?
• Value: Does this service provide essential value, or is it a convenience?
• Alternatives: Is there a free or lower-cost alternative that meets my needs?
• Necessity: If I cancelled this today, would I sign up again tomorrow?

If the answer is no to most of these questions, the subscription should be cancelled.

Step 3: Cancel Unwanted Subscriptions

Act on your decisions immediately.

Direct Cancellation on Websites

Most services are managed directly on their website.

1. Log in to the service's website.
2. Navigate to your Account, Profile, Billing, or Subscription settings.
3. Follow the instructions to cancel. Look for a "Cancel Subscription" or "Turn Off Auto-Renew" button.

App Store & Google Play Cancellation

Use the same paths from Step 1 to manage subscriptions billed through Apple or Google.

• On iOS & macOS: Navigate to your Subscriptions page and tap or click the service you wish to cancel. Choose Cancel Subscription.
• On Android: In the Subscriptions section of the Google Play Store, tap the service you want to cancel and select Cancel subscription.

Unsubscribing from Newsletters

1. Use the Unsubscribe Link: Open an email from the sender. Scroll to the very bottom and click the "Unsubscribe" link.
2. Use Your Email Client: Modern email clients like Gmail and Apple Mail often identify marketing emails and place an "Unsubscribe" button at the top of the message for easy access.

Step 4: Organize and Monitor

Prevent subscription clutter from returning with these practices.

• Create a Subscription Tracker: Use a simple spreadsheet or a notes app to list your active subscriptions, their cost, and their renewal dates.
• Set Calendar Reminders: For any subscription you keep, especially annual ones or those with a free trial, set a calendar reminder a few days before the renewal date. This gives you time to re-evaluate.
• Use Virtual Payment Cards: Services like Privacy.com or features from some credit card providers allow you to create a unique virtual card for each subscription. You can pause or close the card at any time to prevent a merchant from charging you.
• Use a Dedicated Email: Create a separate email address for newsletters, shopping, and new service sign-ups. This keeps your primary inbox for important communication only and makes it simple to manage commercial emails.

Deeper Dive

This guide provides systematic instructions to kill unnecessary subscriptions. The process takes approximately two hours, first time round, for thorough completion. Then it's a breeze.

Pruning Subscriptions

This guide provides systematic instructions to identify, evaluate, and cancel unnecessary subscriptions. The process takes approximately two hours for thorough completion.

Discovery Phase

Operating System Tools

iOS/iPadOS

1. Settings > Apple ID > Subscriptions
2. Review all active and expired subscriptions
3. Screenshot the list for reference

macOS

1. System Settings > Apple ID > Subscriptions
2. App Store > Account (bottom of sidebar) > Manage
3. Document all listings

Android

1. Play Store > Profile icon > Payments & subscriptions > Subscriptions
2. Review active and paused subscriptions

Windows

1. Microsoft Store > Profile > Subscriptions
2. Settings > Accounts > Billing info

Financial Institution Review

Credit Cards

1. Log into each credit card account
2. Search transactions for recurring charges
3. Filter by "recurring" or "subscription" if available
4. Export last 12 months of statements as CSV/PDF

Bank Accounts

1. Access online banking
2. Navigate to recurring payments or scheduled transfers
3. Review automatic payments section
4. Check linked payment services (Bill Pay)

PayPal

1. Visit paypal.com/myaccount/autopay
2. Review "Active automatic payments"
3. Check "Inactive automatic payments" for forgotten services

Email Audit

Gmail

Search using these operators:

• subject:(receipt OR invoice OR subscription OR renewal)
• from:(billing OR payment OR subscription)
• "your subscription" OR "monthly payment" OR "annual renewal"

Outlook/Other Providers

Use similar search terms in your email client's search function

Tracking Tools

Dedicated Services

Truebill/Rocket Money

1. Visit rocketmoney.com
2. Link bank accounts (read-only access)
3. Review identified subscriptions
4. Use free tier for discovery only

Bobby (iOS)

1. Manual entry subscription tracker
2. Download from App Store
3. Input discovered subscriptions for centralized view

Browser Extensions

Honey

Automatically detects some subscriptions during browsing

Privacy.com

Create virtual cards for subscriptions to track and control spending

Cancellation Process

Streaming Services

Netflix

1. Account > Cancel Membership
2. Confirm cancellation
3. Service continues until billing period ends

Disney+

1. Account > Subscription > Cancel Subscription
2. Select reason (optional)
3. Confirm

Spotify

1. Account Overview > Manage your plan
2. Cancel Premium
3. Reverts to free tier

Apple TV+

1. Settings > Apple ID > Subscriptions
2. Select Apple TV+ > Cancel Subscription

YouTube Premium

1. youtube.com/paid_memberships
2. Deactivate > Yes, cancel

News and Publications

The New York Times

1. Account > Manage Subscriptions
2. Cancel Subscription
3. May require chat/call for final cancellation (odious, but yet another reason you want such companies gone)

Wall Street Journal

1. Customer Center > Manage Account
2. Must call 1-800-369-2834 for cancellation

Substack Newsletters

1. Visit each publication's page
2. Settings > Manage subscription > Cancel subscription

Software Subscriptions

Adobe Creative Cloud

1. account.adobe.com > Plans
2. Manage Plan > Cancel Plan
3. Review early termination fees if applicable

Microsoft 365

1. account.microsoft.com > Services & subscriptions
2. Manage > Cancel
3. Toggle off recurring billing

Dropbox

1. Account > Plan
2. Cancel plan > Downgrade to Basic

Lifestyle Services

Amazon Prime

1. Account & Lists > Prime Membership
2. Manage Membership > End Membership
3. Choose immediate or end-of-period cancellation

Gym Memberships

Most require in-person or written notice:

1. Review contract for terms
2. Send certified letter if required
3. Follow up with bank to stop payments if necessary

Prevention Strategies

Virtual Cards

Privacy.com Setup

1. Create account at privacy.com
2. Link bank account
3. Generate unique cards per subscription
4. Set spending limits and pause cards instantly

Apple Card

1. Wallet app > Apple Card > Card Number
2. Request New Card Number after cancellations
3. Prevents reactivation attempts

Payment Method Consolidation

1. Use single credit card for all subscriptions
2. Review monthly statement systematically
3. Set calendar reminder for monthly review

Email Management

Create Subscription-Only Email

1. Use for all subscription signups
2. Separate from personal email
3. Review monthly for renewal notices

Unsubscribe from Marketing

1. unroll.me - Mass unsubscribe tool
2. Gmail: Use "Unsubscribe" button in promotional emails
3. Mark unwanted emails as spam to reduce noise

System Configuration

iOS Subscription Notifications

1. Settings > Notifications > App Store
2. Enable "Subscription Notifications"

Android Alerts

1. Play Store > Menu > Settings
2. Notifications > enable "Updates about subscriptions"

Calendar Integration

1. Add subscription renewal dates to calendar
2. Set reminder 3 days before renewal
3. Include cancellation instructions in event notes

Browser Password Manager Audit

1. Review saved passwords for subscription sites
2. Delete credentials for cancelled services
3. Update passwords for retained services

Documentation

Create Subscription Inventory

Track in spreadsheet:

• Service name
• Monthly/annual cost
• Renewal date
• Cancellation method
• Account email
• Last usage date

Cancellation Records

1. Screenshot cancellation confirmations
2. Save confirmation emails
3. Note date and reference number

Special Cases

Annual Subscriptions

1. Set calendar reminder 30 days before renewal
2. Cancel at least 7 days before renewal date
3. Request prorated refund if recently renewed

Free Trials

1. Cancel immediately after signup (usually retains access)
2. Set reminder for trial end date
3. Use virtual card with spending limit

Bundled Services

Review bundles like:

• Verizon/AT&T entertainment packages
• Credit card subscription benefits
• Insurance discount programs

Verification

Post-Cancellation Checks

1. Verify email confirmation received
2. Check next statement for removed charges
3. Attempt login to confirm access removed
4. Contact support if charges continue

Quarterly Review Process

Set recurring calendar reminder to:

1. Review bank statements
2. Check subscription management pages
3. Audit email for new signups
4. Update subscription inventory

Recovery Actions

Accidental Cancellations

Most services allow immediate resubscription Some maintain data for 30-90 days

Refund Requests

1. Contact within 48 hours for best results
2. Reference cancellation confirmation
3. Escalate to credit card dispute if necessary

Account Data Export

Before cancelling:

1. Download personal data
2. Export playlists/preferences
3. Save receipts for tax purposes

Time Estimates

• Discovery: 45 minutes
• Tracking setup: 15 minutes
• Cancellation process: 30-60 minutes
• Documentation: 15 minutes
• System configuration: 15 minutes

Complete review recommended quarterly. Initial cleanup removes 40-60% of subscriptions on average. Ongoing maintenance requires 15 minutes monthly.

By using different web browsers for specific purposes—a practice known as compartmentalization—you can really dramatically limit this data collection. Mention this to any of your IT 'entrepreneur' pals and watch their faces drop.

Browser 1: For Your Logged-In Life

This browser is for trusted, essential services where you are always logged in. The goal is secure convenience, not anonymity.

• Purpose: Online banking, primary email, streaming subscriptions, and other services that require you to sign in with your real identity.
• Recommended Browsers: Safari (on Apple devices) or Microsoft Edge. These browsers integrate well with their operating systems and have effective built-in privacy features.

Configuration Steps

1. Enable Tracking Prevention:
   • In Safari: Go to Settings > Privacy and ensure Prevent cross-site tracking is enabled.
   • In Microsoft Edge: Go to Settings > Privacy, search, and services and set Tracking prevention to Strict.
2. Limit Its Use: Use this browser exclusively for your essential, logged-in accounts. Do not use it for general searching, reading news, or random browsing.

Browser 2: For Your Everyday Web Exploration

This is your default browser for most online activities. The goal is to separate your general interests and browsing habits from your core identity.

• Purpose: Searching, reading articles, browsing forums like Reddit, online shopping, and watching videos without logging in.
• Recommended Browsers: Firefox or Brave. Both are focused on user privacy and offer powerful tools to block trackers.

Configuration Steps

1. Choose a Browser:
   • Firefox: Download fromfirefox.com.
     • Go to Settings > Privacy & Security and select Strict for Enhanced Tracking Protection.
     • Under Search Engines, change the default to a privacy-respecting option like DuckDuckGo.
     • Install the uBlock Origin extension for best-in-class ad and tracker blocking.
   • Brave: Download frombrave.com.
     • Go to Settings > Shields and set Trackers & ads blocking to Aggressive.
     • Brave uses its own privacy-respecting search engine by default.
2. Stay Logged Out: Avoid logging into any personal accounts in this browser. If you must log in to a shopping site, consider using a private email alias.

Browser 3: For Sensitive and Anonymous Activity

This browser provides the highest level of privacy and anonymity. It should be used for any activity you do not want associated with your identity or location.

• Purpose: Researching sensitive health, financial, or political topics. Accessing content that may be censored in your region.
• Recommended Browser: Tor Browser. It routes your traffic through a volunteer network to conceal your IP address and location.

Configuration Steps

1. Download Securely: Get the Tor Browser only from the official website: torproject.org.
2. Use Default Settings: Do not change the configuration or add extensions. Doing so can weaken its security and make you more identifiable.
3. Practice Anonymity: Never log in to any of your personal accounts while using Tor Browser.

System-Wide Enhancements

These changes provide a layer of privacy across all your browsers and applications.

Change Your DNS Resolver

Your device uses a Domain Name System (DNS) to find websites. By default, this is managed by your internet provider, who can see every site you visit.

1. Change your system's DNS to a private resolver. Good options include:
   • Cloudflare: Primary: 1.1.1.1, Secondary: 1.0.0.1
   • Quad9: Primary: 9.9.9.9, Secondary: 149.112.112.112
2. How to Change:
   • On Mac: Go to System Settings > Network > Select your Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection > Details... > DNS. Click the + icon to add the new DNS addresses.
   • On Windows: Go to Settings > Network & internet > Select your connection > Hardware properties. Next to DNS server assignment, click Edit and enter the new addresses manually.

Use a VPN

A reputable Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your internet connection and hides your IP address from the websites and services you use. It is a powerful complement to the browser strategy. Choose a paid VPN service with a strict no-logs policy.

Some of you may have noticed some repetition above. That is intentional. Turns out not everyone reads all parts of all the webpages on the internet. Something about life being 'too short', and people wanting to get what they need quickly. So that's why we write the way we do.

Anyways, that's your Monday. We update these every few days. Stay safe.

Love you guys.