What you need to know about AI and your digital footprint

by Paige Hanson, Cyber Safety Expert 

Not long ago, privacy was something we entrusted to others. But today, advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), facial recognition, wearable technology (glasses, watches, rings, etc.) and apps are making it easier for strangers to identify and learn personal details about us – without our consent.

A recent experiment by two Harvard students highlights just how concerning this issue has become. They used Meta’s new Ray-Ban smart glasses, combined with AI-powered facial recognition software, to instantly identify people in public, uncover their personal information, and even gain their trust. Scary, right?! This experiment wasn’t done by a big tech company or the government – just two students using tools available to anyone.

Let’s start with the Meta Ray-Ban Glasses – what happened?

The students developed an AI-powered system called I-XRAY that works with Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses as a project for academia. This system allows wearers to identify strangers in real-time and retrieve personal details about them. Including full name, home address, phone number, family member names and work and volunteer history.

How does it work?

1. The glasses stream live video to a computer program.
2. AI detects faces and searches the internet for matching images.
3. The system pulls information from sources like social media, online articles and voter registration databases.
4. The data is sent to the user’s phone, giving them instant knowledge about the person they are looking at.

Why is this dangerous?

• Scammers could use this technology to approach people in public, pretending to know them.
• Stalkers and criminals could target individuals, knowing personal details to gain their trust.
• Doxxing (publicly exposing personal information) could become even easier.

If two college students can build this, what happens when criminals or governments use similar tools?

But what about the apps I use?

By now, you’ve likely heard the rumblings of the millions of people with the ban of TikTok due to its ties to China, citing national security and privacy risks. But instead of ditching risky apps altogether, millions flocked to alternatives like RedNote – another app with deep data collection practices.

Just because an app isn’t banned doesn’t mean it’s safe. Many of these alternative platforms have fewer security controls and more invasive data collection practices than the apps they replace. And if an app stores data in China (or other countries with different privacy laws), your information could be accessed in ways you never intended.

What can women do?

• Check where an app stores data before signing up.
• Read privacy policies (or at least skim them for red flags like “shares data with third parties”).
• Limit app permissions – don’t grant access to your contacts, calendar, microphone or location unless necessary.
• Delete apps you don’t use to reduce exposure.
• Turn off location services unless you’re using the app.

Just because an app is trending doesn’t mean it’s safe. Think before you download.

Tips to protect your privacy online

Even if you don’t use AI-powered glasses or have a TikTok account, your personal information is likely already available online. Here’s how to limit your exposure and reduce your digital footprint.

Change permissions to reduce tracking

Have you ever been at a store looking at something, and then (like magic) you start seeing ads for that exact item? Creepy, right?

It’s not magic, and your phone isn’t listening to your conversations. What’s really happening is a mix of location tracking, data sharing and AI-driven advertising working behind the scenes.

• Location Tracking: Many stores use Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS to track where you go and what you browse. If you check out a product but don’t buy it, that data can be shared with advertisers.
• AI-Driven Ads: Algorithms analyze your behaviours and predict related interests, meaning a glance at a product can trigger ads for similar items.
• Retail & App Data Collection: Social media platforms, search engines, and even weather apps collect and sell data about your location and online activity.

So, what can you do to limit exposure?

Reduce Location Tracking:

• Disable location access for retail and shopping apps.
• Turn off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when not in use.
• Avoid connecting to public store Wi-Fi networks.

Minimize Digital Traces:

• Use private browsing or clear cookies and site data regularly.
• Log out of major accounts like Google, Facebook, and Amazon while shopping.

Control Ad & App Permissions:

• Adjust Google Ad Settings at adssettings.google.com to limit ad tracking.
• Update ad preferences on Facebook, Instagram and Amazon.
• Review and restrict microphone and background tracking in your phone’s settings.

Think before you share on social media

• Review your privacy settings and limit who can see your profile.
• Review your friends list or followers on social media – do you actually know and trust everyone?
• Post your vacation photos after you return – that’s called a “Latergram.”
• Whether you’re giving away extra fruit from your trees or selling items, avoid posting your full address, email or phone number publicly, even in private groups.

Strengthen your online security

• Turn off location services and background app tracking on your phone.
• Turn off your microphone for apps (especially Facebook and Google).
• Use a different password for all accounts, even better, use a password manager like LastPass to manage them all.
• Use two-factor authentication (2FA) for email, banking, and important accounts.
• Disable Bluetooth and Wifi.
• Install a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to hide your internet activity. Read more about VPNs here.
• This may seem odd, but regularly Google yourself to see what information is publicly available.

Privacy laws: How protected are you?

Privacy protections vary widely depending on where you live.

United States

• There is no nationwide privacy law – regulations depend on the state.
• In California, there is the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA). Both laws that protect consumers’ data privacy. California (CCPA) allows residents to request data deletion from companies.
• Most companies set their own privacy policies, with little federal oversight.

Canada

• Stronger protections under PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act). It’s a law that governs how private businesses can collect, use and share personal information.
• Provinces like British Columbia and Quebec have even stricter regulations giving individuals more control over their data.

The future of privacy: What’s next?

With AI-powered surveillance becoming more common, we must ask:

• Should wearable facial recognition technology be legal?
• Should we have a right to anonymity in public spaces?
• Can we trust companies like Meta to protect our privacy?

These are ongoing debates, and privacy laws will need to catch up. In the meantime, the best defense is education and awareness.

Privacy risks are real, but they don’t have to be paralyzing. Knowledge is power. The more you understand how your data is collected and used, the better you can protect yourself. This isn’t about fear; it’s about awareness. By taking small steps – like tightening privacy settings, being mindful of what you share, and staying informed – women can significantly reduce our risk of scams and identity theft. The more we talk about privacy, scams, and digital safety, the less vulnerable we as women become. We can make smarter choices, together.

What questions do you have about technology, privacy and safety? Put them in the comments below. 

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