macOS / OS X Privacy Settings

Privacy Settings And Recommendations for macOS / OS X / Mac OS X

Apple ID / Account

Security updates

Q. What are the current, supported versions of macOS?

• macOS 15.0 - included in the macOS 15.0 Installer (or go to Apple menu > System Settings > General > Software Update and install the 14.7 update)
• macOS 14.7 - included in the macOS 14.7 Installer (or go to Apple menu > System Settings > General > Software Update and install the 13.7 update + latest Safari update - scroll to the very bottom of Software Update and click the blue "More info" link under "Other updates are available" or "Another update is available")
• macOS 13.7 - included in the macOS 13.7 Installer (or go to Apple menu > System Preferences > Software Update and install the 12.7.6 update + latest Safari update - click the blue "More info" link under "Other updates are available" or "Another update is available")
• SECURITY WARNING: macOS 12 and earlier are no longer supported with security updates - see our securing older operating systems article.

Phoning home to Apple and the iCloud service

• Private Relay - requires iOS 15 or later, macOS 10.12 or later
• HomeKit Secure Video
• Hide my Email - requires iOS 15 or later, macOS 10.12 or later

macOS / OS X / Mac OS X

• macOS 14
• macOS 13
• macOS 12
• macOS 11
• macOS 10.15
• macOS 10.14
• macOS 10.13
• macOS 10.12
• OS X 10.11
• OS X 10.10
• OS X 10.9
• OS X 10.8
• OS X 10.7
• Mac OS X 10.6

Q. How can I tell which version of macOS / OS X / Mac OS X I am running?

macOS 14

• iCloud / Apple ID > if required, don't use cloud services and if an account is signed in, click on your ID and then click the "Sign Out…" button at the bottom
• Bluetooth > if Bluetooth is ON turn Bluetooth OFF
• Network > optional DNS settings - for each network that you use on the right:
• Select the network on the right
• Click the "Details…" button at the top
• Click "DNS" on the left
• Under 'DNS Servers' click the "+" button
• If not already in the list, add the DNS servers "1.1.1.1" and "1.0.0.1"
• If necessary click and drag "1.1.1.1" and "1.0.0.1" to first and second in the list
• See Announcing 1.1.1.1: the fastest, privacy-first consumer DNS service for more information about DNS privacy
• Network > if the Firewall is "Inactive", click it and turn the Firewall ON
• Notifications > make sure "Show previews" is set to "When Unlocked" or "Never"
• Notifications > make sure "Allow notifications when the display is sleeping" is turned OFF
• Notifications > make sure "Allow notifications when the screen is locked" is turned OFF
• Screen Time > make sure "Screen Time" is turned OFF
• General > AirDrop & Handoff > make sure "Allow Handoff between this Mac and your iCloud devices" is turned OFF
• General > AirDrop & Handoff > make sure "AirDrop" is set to "Contacts Only" or "No One"
• General > AirDrop & Handoff > make sure "Airplay receiver" is turned OFF
• General > AirDrop & Handoff > make sure "Allow AirPlay for" is set to "Current User"
• General > Login Items > under "Open at Login" remove any applications/services that you do not want to run automatically when you login
• General > Login Items > under "Allow in the Background" only applications/services that you want to be running in the background are turned on, otherwise turn them OFF
• General > Sharing > if not required, don't use any sharing services and turn OFF all listed options
• Accessibility > configure accessibility options as required - some of these settings can reduce your privacy and security but, obviously, may be needed according to your circumstances
• Control Centre > under Menu Bar Only > set "Recent documents, applications and servers" to a low number or "None"
• Siri & Spotlight > make sure "Ask Siri" is turned OFF
• Siri & Spotlight > under Search results - Only selected categories will appear in Spotlight search results, make sure "Siri Suggestions" is turned OFF
• Privacy & Security > under Privacy:
• Location Services > either turn OFF "Location Services" or set them individually as required underneath
• Contacts > turn OFF the applications you don't want to be able to access your Contacts
• Calendars > turn OFF the applications you don't want to be able to access your Calendars
• Reminders > turn OFF the applications you don't want to be able to access your Reminders
• Photos > turn OFF the applications you don't want to be able to access your Photos
• Bluetooth > turn OFF the applications you don't want to be able to access Bluetooth
• Microphone > turn OFF the applications you don't want to be able to access the Microphone
• Camera > turn OFF the applications you don't want to be able to access the Camera
• Motion & Fitness > turn OFF the applications you don't want to be able to access the Motion & Fitness data
• Homekit > turn OFF the applications you don't want to be able to access your homekit accessories and data
• Speech Recognition > turn OFF the applications you don't want to be able to access Speech Recognition
• Media & Apple Music > turn OFF the applications you don't want to be able to access your media and Apple music libraries/data
• Files and Folders > turn OFF the applications you don't want to be able to access important data on your boot/storage drives
• Full Disk Access > turn OFF the applications you don't want to be able to access important data on your boot/storage drives
• Focus > turn OFF the applications you don't want to be able to access the Focus facility
• Accessibility > turn OFF the applications you don't want to be able to access Accessibility
• Input Monitoring > turn OFF the applications you don't want to be able to monitor your keyboard actions
• Screen Recording > turn OFF the applications you don't want to be able to record the screen
NOTE: Although strangely named, Screen Recording is required for sharing your screen on video calls such as when you are using Skype, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, or Google Meet.
• Passkeys Access for Web Browsers > turn OFF the applications you don't want to be able to access your Passkeys
• Automation > turn OFF the applications you don't want to be able to control other applications
• App Management > turn OFF the applications you don't want to be able to manage your applications (usually managed by a company you work for)
• Developer Tools > turn OFF the applications you don't want to be able to access the Developer Tools
---
• Analytics & Improvements > turn OFF all options listed
• Advertising > turn OFF "Personalised Ads"
• Privacy & Security > under Security
• If FileVault is not turned on click "Turn On…" and encrypt your internal storage
• Privacy & Security > under Others
• Extensions > check for any unwanted extensions and either turn them OFF or remove them
• Profiles > remove any unwanted profiles
• Desktop & Dock > under Dock > turn OFF 'Show suggested and recent apps in Dock'
• Desktop & Dock > under Stage Manager > turn OFF 'Show recent apps in Stage Manager'
• Lock Screen > set "Start Screen Saver when inactive" to a low time or "For 1 Minute"
• Lock Screen > set "Require password after screen saver begins or display is turned off" to a low time or "Immediately"
• Keyboard > under Keyboard > click "Touch Bar Settings…" and make sure "Show typing suggestions" is turned OFF (only MacBooks that have a "Touch Bar")
• Keyboard > under Dictation > turn "Use Dictation" OFF

macOS 13

• iCloud / Apple ID > if required, don't use cloud services and if an account is signed in, click on your ID and then click the "Sign Out…" button at the bottom
• Bluetooth > if Bluetooth is ON turn Bluetooth OFF
• Network > optional DNS settings - for each network that you use on the right:
• Select the network on the right
• Click the "Details…" button at the top
• Click "DNS" on the left
• Under 'DNS Servers' click the "+" button
• If not already in the list, add the DNS servers "1.1.1.1" and "1.0.0.1"
• If necessary click and drag "1.1.1.1" and "1.0.0.1" to first and second in the list
• See Announcing 1.1.1.1: the fastest, privacy-first consumer DNS service for more information about DNS privacy
• Network > if the Firewall is "Inactive", click it and turn the Firewall ON
• Notifications > make sure "Show previews" is set to "When Unlocked" or "Never"
• Notifications > make sure "Allow notifications when the display is sleeping" is turned OFF
• Notifications > make sure "Allow notifications when the screen is locked" is turned OFF
• Screen Time > make sure "Screen Time" is turned OFF
• General > AirDrop & Handoff > make sure "Allow Handoff between this Mac and your iCloud devices" is turned OFF
• General > AirDrop & Handoff > make sure "AirDrop" is set to "Contacts Only" or "No One"
• General > AirDrop & Handoff > make sure "Airplay receiver" is turned OFF
• General > AirDrop & Handoff > make sure "Allow AirPlay for" is set to "Current User"
• General > Login Items > under "Open at Login" remove any applications/services that you do not want to run automatically when you login
• General > Login Items > under "Allow in the Background" only applications/services that you want to be running in the background are turned on, otherwise turn them OFF
• General > Sharing > if not required, don't use any sharing services and turn OFF all listed options
• Accessibility > configure accessibility options as required - some of these settings can reduce your privacy and security but, obviously, may be needed according to your circumstances
• Siri & Spotlight > make sure "Ask Siri" is turned OFF
• Siri & Spotlight > under Search results - Only selected categories will appear in Spotlight search results, make sure "Siri Suggestions" is turned OFF
• Privacy & Security > under Privacy:
• Location Services > either turn OFF "Location Services" or set them individually as required underneath
• Contacts > turn OFF the applications you don't want to be able to access your Contacts
• Calendars > turn OFF the applications you don't want to be able to access your Calendars
• Reminders > turn OFF the applications you don't want to be able to access your Reminders
• Photos > turn OFF the applications you don't want to be able to access your Photos
• Bluetooth > turn OFF the applications you don't want to be able to access Bluetooth
• Microphone > turn OFF the applications you don't want to be able to access the Microphone
• Camera > turn OFF the applications you don't want to be able to access the Camera
• Homekit > turn OFF the applications you don't want to be able to access your homekit accessories and data
• Speech Recognition > turn OFF the applications you don't want to be able to access Speech Recognition
• Media & Apple Music > turn OFF the applications you don't want to be able to access your media and Apple music libraries/data
• Files and Folders > turn OFF the applications you don't want to be able to access important data on your boot/storage drives
• Full Disk Access > turn OFF the applications you don't want to be able to access important data on your boot/storage drives
• Focus > turn OFF the applications you don't want to be able to access the Focus facility
• Input Monitoring > turn OFF the applications you don't want to be able to monitor your keyboard actions
• Screen Recording > turn OFF the applications you don't want to be able to record the screen
NOTE: Although strangely named, Screen Recording is required for sharing your screen on video calls such as when you are using Skype, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, or Google Meet.
• Passkeys Access for Web Browsers > turn OFF the applications you don't want to be able to access your Passkeys
• Automation > turn OFF the applications you don't want to be able to control other applications
• App Management > turn OFF the applications you don't want to be able to manage your applications (usually managed by a company you work for)
• Developer Tools > turn OFF the applications you don't want to be able to access the Developer Tools
---
• Analytics & Improvements > turn OFF all options listed
• Advertising > turn OFF "Personalised Ads"
• Privacy & Security > under Security
• If FileVault is not turned on click "Turn On…" and encrypt your internal storage
• Privacy & Security > under Others
• Extensions > check for any unwanted extensions and either turn them OFF or remove them
• Profiles > remove any unwanted profiles
• Desktop & Dock > under Dock > turn OFF 'Show recent applications in Dock'
• Desktop & Dock > under Menu Bar > set "Recent documents, applications and servers" to a low number or "None"
• Lock Screen > set "Start Screen Saver when inactive" to a low time or "For 1 Minute"
• Lock Screen > set "Require password after screen saver begins or display is turned off" to a low time or "Immediately"
• Keyboard > under Keyboard > click "Touch Bar Settings…" and make sure "Show typing suggestions" is turned OFF (only MacBooks that have a "Touch Bar")
• Keyboard > under Dictation > turn "Use Dictation" OFF

macOS 12

• iCloud / Apple ID > if required, don't use cloud services and if an account is signed in, click the "Sign Out" button
• General > UNTICK "Allow Handoff between this Mac and your iCloud devices" (only Macs that support "Handoff")
• Dock & Menu Bar > UNTICK 'Show recent applications in Dock'
• Siri > if TICKED click "Siri History: Delete Siri & Dictation History" (only Macs that support "Siri")
• Siri > UNTICK "Enable Siri" (only Macs that support "Siri")
• Spotlight > Search Results tab > in the 'Only selected categories will appear in Spotlight search results' list UNTICK "Siri Suggestions"
• Security & Privacy >
• Firewall tab > if the 'Firewall' is Off click "Turn On Firewall"
• Privacy tab > click 'Location Services' on the left > either UNTICK "Enable Location Services" or set them as required
• Privacy tab > click 'Contacts' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to access your Contacts
• Privacy tab > click 'Calendars' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to access your Calendars
• Privacy tab > click 'Reminders' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to access your Reminders
• Privacy tab > click 'Photos' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to access your Photos
• Privacy tab > click 'Camera' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to access your Camera
• Privacy tab > click 'Microphone' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to access your Microphone
• Privacy tab > click 'Speech Recognition' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to access Speech Recognition
• Privacy tab > click 'Accessibility' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to control your computer
NOTE: If you use Dropbox you may see Dropbox listed here - read more about this potential security and privacy issue here.
• Privacy tab > click 'Input Monitoring' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to monitor your keyboard actions
• Privacy tab > click 'Full Disk Access' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to access important data on your boot/storage drives
• Privacy tab > click 'File and Folders' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to access important data on your boot/storage drives
• Privacy tab > click 'Screen Recording' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to record the screen
• Privacy tab > click 'Media & Apple Music' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to access your media and Apple music libraries/data
• Privacy tab > click 'Homekit' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to access your home data
• Privacy tab > click 'Bluetooth' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to use Bluetooth
• Privacy tab > click 'Automation' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to control other apps
• Privacy tab > click 'Analytics & Improvements' on the left > UNTICK all listed options on the right
• Privacy tab > click 'Advertising' on the left > UNTICK "Personalised Ads"
• Network > optional DNS settings - for each required network port on the left:
• Select the network port on the left
• Click the "Advanced…" button the right
• Click the "DNS" tab
• Under 'DNS Servers' click the "+" button at the bottom
• If not already in the list, add the DNS servers "1.1.1.1" and "1.0.0.1"
• If necessary click and drag "1.1.1.1" and "1.0.0.1" to first and second in the list
• See Announcing 1.1.1.1: the fastest, privacy-first consumer DNS service for more information about DNS privacy
• Bluetooth > if 'Bluetooth' is On click "Turn Bluetooth Off"
• Keyboard > Text tab > UNTICK "Touch Bar typing suggestions" (only Macs that have a "Touch Bar")
• Keyboard > Dictation tab > set 'Dictation' to "Off"
• Sharing > if required, don't use sharing services and UNTICK all listed options on the left

macOS 11

• iCloud / Apple ID > if required, don't use cloud services and if an account is signed in, click the "Sign Out" button
• General > UNTICK "Allow Handoff between this Mac and your iCloud devices" (only Macs that support "Handoff")
• Dock > UNTICK 'Show recent applications in the Dock'
• Siri > if TICKED click "Siri History: Delete Siri & Dictation History" (only Macs that support "Siri")
• Siri > UNTICK "Enable Siri" (only Macs that support "Siri")
• Spotlight > Search Results tab > in the 'Only selected categories will appear in Spotlight search results' list UNTICK "Siri Suggestions"
• Security & Privacy >
• Firewall tab > if the 'Firewall' is Off click "Turn On Firewall"
• Privacy tab > click 'Location Services' on the left > either UNTICK "Enable Location Services" or set them as required
• Privacy tab > click 'Contacts' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to access your Contacts
• Privacy tab > click 'Calendars' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to access your Calendars
• Privacy tab > click 'Reminders' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to access your Reminders
• Privacy tab > click 'Photos' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to access your Photos
• Privacy tab > click 'Camera' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to access your Camera
• Privacy tab > click 'Microphone' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to access your Microphone
• Privacy tab > click 'Speech Recognition' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to access Speech Recognition
• Privacy tab > click 'Accessibility' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to control your computer
NOTE: If you use Dropbox you may see Dropbox listed here - read more about this potential security and privacy issue here.
• Privacy tab > click 'Input Monitoring' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to monitor your keyboard actions
• Privacy tab > click 'Full Disk Access' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to access important data on your boot/storage drives
• Privacy tab > click 'File and Folders' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to access important data on your boot/storage drives
• Privacy tab > click 'Screen Recording' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to record the screen
• Privacy tab > click 'Media & Apple Music' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to access your media and Apple music libraries/data
• Privacy tab > click 'Homekit' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to access your home data
• Privacy tab > click 'Bluetooth' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to use Bluetooth
• Privacy tab > click 'Automation' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to control other apps
• Privacy tab > click 'Analytics & Improvements' on the left > UNTICK all listed options on the right
• Privacy tab > click 'Advertising' on the left > UNTICK "Personalised Ads"
• Network > optional DNS settings - for each required network port on the left:
• Select the network port on the left
• Click the "Advanced…" button the right
• Click the "DNS" tab
• Under 'DNS Servers' click the "+" button at the bottom
• If not already in the list, add the DNS servers "1.1.1.1" and "1.0.0.1"
• If necessary click and drag "1.1.1.1" and "1.0.0.1" to first and second in the list
• See Announcing 1.1.1.1: the fastest, privacy-first consumer DNS service for more information about DNS privacy
• Bluetooth > if 'Bluetooth' is On click "Turn Bluetooth Off"
• Keyboard > Text tab > UNTICK "Touch Bar typing suggestions" (only Macs that have a "Touch Bar")
• Keyboard > Dictation tab > set 'Dictation' to "Off"
• Sharing > if required, don't use sharing services and UNTICK all listed options on the left

macOS 10.15

• iCloud > if required, don't use cloud services and if an account is signed in, click the "Sign Out" button
• General > UNTICK "Allow Handoff between this Mac and your iCloud devices" (only Macs that support "Handoff")
• Dock > UNTICK 'Show recent applications in the Dock'
• Siri > if TICKED click "Siri History: Delete Siri & Dictation History" (only Macs that support "Siri" - macOS 10.15.1 or later required)
• Siri > UNTICK "Enable Siri" (only Macs that support "Siri")
• Spotlight > Search Results tab > in the 'Only selected categories will appear in Spotlight search results' list UNTICK "Spotlight Suggestions"
• Spotlight > Search Results tab > UNTICK "Allow Spotlight Suggestions in Look up"
• Security & Privacy >
• Firewall tab > if the 'Firewall' is Off click "Turn On Firewall"
• Privacy tab > click 'Location Services' on the left > either UNTICK "Enable Location Services" or set them as required
• Privacy tab > click 'Contacts' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to access your Contacts
• Privacy tab > click 'Calendars' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to access your Calendars
• Privacy tab > click 'Reminders' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to access your Reminders
• Privacy tab > click 'Photos' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to access your Photos
• Privacy tab > click 'Camera' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to access your Camera
• Privacy tab > click 'Microphone' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to access your Microphone
• Privacy tab > click 'Speech Recognition' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to access Speech Recognition
• Privacy tab > click 'Accessibility' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to control your computer
NOTE: If you use Dropbox you may see Dropbox listed here - read more about this potential security and privacy issue here.
• Privacy tab > click 'Full Disk Access' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to access important data on your boot/storage drives
• Privacy tab > click 'File and Folders' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to access important data on your boot/storage drives
• Privacy tab > click 'Screen Recording' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to record the screen
• Privacy tab > click 'Automation' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to control other apps
• Privacy tab > click 'Advertising' on the left > TICK "Limit Ad Tracking"
• Privacy tab > click 'Analytics' on the left > UNTICK all listed options on the right
• Network > optional DNS settings - for each required network port on the left:
• Select the network port on the left
• Click the "Advanced…" button the right
• Click the "DNS" tab
• Under 'DNS Servers' click the "+" button at the bottom
• If not already in the list, add the DNS servers "1.1.1.1" and "1.0.0.1"
• If necessary click and drag "1.1.1.1" and "1.0.0.1" to first and second in the list
• See Announcing 1.1.1.1: the fastest, privacy-first consumer DNS service for more information about DNS privacy
• Bluetooth > if 'Bluetooth' is On click "Turn Bluetooth Off"
• Keyboard > Text tab > UNTICK "Touch Bar typing suggestions" (only Macs that have a "Touch Bar")
• Keyboard > Dictation tab > set 'Dictation' to "Off"
• Sharing > if required, don't use sharing services and UNTICK all listed options on the left

macOS 10.14

• General > UNTICK "Allow Handoff between this Mac and your iCloud devices" (only Macs that support "Handoff")
• Dock > UNTICK 'Show recent applications in the Dock'
• Mission Control > set 'Dashboard' to "Off"
• Security & Privacy >
• Firewall tab > if the 'Firewall' is Off click "Turn On Firewall"
• Privacy tab > click 'Location Services' on the left > either UNTICK "Enable Location Services" or set them as required
• Privacy tab > click 'Contacts' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to access your Contacts
• Privacy tab > click 'Calendars' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to access your Calendars
• Privacy tab > click 'Reminders' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to access your Reminders
• Privacy tab > click 'Photos' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to access your Photos
• Privacy tab > click 'Camera' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to access your Camera
• Privacy tab > click 'Microphone' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to access your Microphone
• Privacy tab > click 'Accessibility' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to control your computer
NOTE: If you use Dropbox you may see Dropbox listed here - read more about this potential security and privacy issue here.
• Privacy tab > click 'Full Disk Access' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to access important data on your boot/storage drives
• Privacy tab > click 'Automation' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to control other apps
• Privacy tab > click 'Analytics' on the left > UNTICK all listed options on the right
• Privacy tab > click 'Advertising' on the left > TICK "Limit Ad Tracking"
• Spotlight > Search Results tab > in the 'Only selected categories will appear in Spotlight search results' list UNTICK "Spotlight Suggestions"
• Spotlight > Search Results tab > UNTICK "Allow Spotlight Suggestions in Look up"
• Keyboard > Text tab > UNTICK "Touch Bar typing suggestions" (only Macs that have a "Touch Bar")
• Keyboard > Dictation tab > set 'Dictation' to "Off"
• iCloud > if required, don't use cloud services and if an account is signed in, click the "Sign Out" button
• Network > optional DNS settings - for each required network port on the left:
• Select the network port on the left
• Click the "Advanced…" button the right
• Click the "DNS" tab
• Under 'DNS Servers' click the "+" button at the bottom
• If not already in the list, add the DNS servers "1.1.1.1" and "1.0.0.1"
• If necessary click and drag "1.1.1.1" and "1.0.0.1" to first and second in the list
• See Announcing 1.1.1.1: the fastest, privacy-first consumer DNS service for more information about DNS privacy
• Bluetooth > if 'Bluetooth' is On click "Turn Bluetooth Off"
• Sharing > if required, don't use sharing services and UNTICK all listed options on the left
• Siri > UNTICK "Enable Siri" (only Macs that support "Siri")

macOS 10.13

• General > UNTICK "Allow Handoff between this Mac and your iCloud devices" (only Macs that support "Handoff")
• Mission Control > set 'Dashboard' to "Off"
• Security & Privacy >
• Firewall tab > if the 'Firewall' is Off click "Turn On Firewall"
• Privacy tab > click 'Location Services' on the left > either UNTICK "Enable Location Services" or set them as required
• Privacy tab > click 'Contacts' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to access your Contacts
• Privacy tab > click 'Calendars' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to access your Calendars
• Privacy tab > click 'Reminders' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to access your Reminders
• Privacy tab > click 'Photos' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to access your Photos
• Privacy tab > click 'Accessibility' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to control your computer
NOTE: If you use Dropbox you may see Dropbox listed here - read more about this potential security and privacy issue here.
• Privacy tab > click 'Analytics' on the left > UNTICK all listed options on the right
• Spotlight > Search Results tab > in the 'Only selected categories will appear in Spotlight search results' list UNTICK "Spotlight Suggestions"
• Spotlight > Search Results tab > UNTICK "Allow Spotlight Suggestions in Look up"
• Keyboard > Text tab > UNTICK "Touch Bar typing suggestions" (only Macs that have a "Touch Bar")
• Keyboard > Dictation tab > set 'Dictation' to "Off"
• iCloud > if required, don't use cloud services and if an account is signed in, click the "Sign Out" button
• Network > optional DNS settings - for each required network port on the left:
• Select the network port on the left
• Click the "Advanced…" button the right
• Click the "DNS" tab
• Under 'DNS Servers' click the "+" button at the bottom
• If not already in the list, add the DNS servers "1.1.1.1" and "1.0.0.1"
• If necessary click and drag "1.1.1.1" and "1.0.0.1" to first and second in the list
• See Announcing 1.1.1.1: the fastest, privacy-first consumer DNS service for more information about DNS privacy
• Bluetooth > if 'Bluetooth' is On click "Turn Bluetooth Off"
• Sharing > if required, don't use sharing services and UNTICK all listed options on the left
• Siri > UNTICK "Enable Siri" (only Macs that support "Siri")

macOS 10.12

• General > UNTICK "Allow Handoff between this Mac and your iCloud devices" (only Macs that support "Handoff")
• Mission Control > set 'Dashboard' to "Off"
• Security & Privacy >
• Firewall tab > if the 'Firewall' is Off click "Turn On Firewall"
• Privacy tab > click 'Location Services' on the left > either UNTICK "Enable Location Services" or set them as required
• Privacy tab > click 'Contacts' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to access your Contacts
• Privacy tab > click 'Calendars' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to access your Calendars
• Privacy tab > click 'Reminders' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to access your Reminders
• Privacy tab > click 'Accessibility' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to control your computer
NOTE: If you use Dropbox you may see Dropbox listed here - read more about this potential security and privacy issue here.
• Privacy tab > click 'Analytics' on the left > UNTICK all listed options on the right
• Spotlight > Search Results tab > in the 'Only selected categories will appear in Spotlight search results' list UNTICK "Spotlight Suggestions"
• Spotlight > Search Results tab > UNTICK "Allow Spotlight Suggestions in Look up"
• Keyboard > Text tab > UNTICK "Touch Bar typing suggestions" (only Macs that have a "Touch Bar")
• Keyboard > Dictation tab > set 'Dictation' to "Off"
• iCloud > if required, don't use cloud services and if an account is signed in, click the "Sign Out" button
• Network > optional DNS settings - for each required network port on the left:
• Select the network port on the left
• Click the "Advanced…" button the right
• Click the "DNS" tab
• Under 'DNS Servers' click the "+" button at the bottom
• If not already in the list, add the DNS servers "1.1.1.1" and "1.0.0.1"
• If necessary click and drag "1.1.1.1" and "1.0.0.1" to first and second in the list
• See Announcing 1.1.1.1: the fastest, privacy-first consumer DNS service for more information about DNS privacy
• Bluetooth > if 'Bluetooth' is On click "Turn Bluetooth Off"
• Sharing > if required, don't use sharing services and UNTICK all listed options on the left
• Siri > UNTICK "Enable Siri" (only Macs that support "Siri")

OS X 10.11

• General > UNTICK "Allow Handoff between this Mac and your iCloud devices" (only Macs that support "Handoff")
• Mission Control > set 'Dashboard' to "Off"
• Security & Privacy >
• Firewall tab > if the 'Firewall' is Off click "Turn On Firewall"
• Privacy tab > click 'Location Services' on the left > either UNTICK "Enable Location Services" or set them as required
• Privacy tab > click 'Contacts' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to access your Contacts
• Privacy tab > click 'Calendars' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to access your Calendars
• Privacy tab > click 'Reminders' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to access your Reminders
• Privacy tab > click 'Accessibility' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to control your computer
NOTE: If you use Dropbox you may see Dropbox listed here - read more about this potential security and privacy issue here.
• Privacy tab > click 'Diagnostics & Usage' on the left > UNTICK all listed options on the right
• Spotlight > Search Results tab > in the 'Only selected categories will appear in Spotlight search results' list UNTICK "Bing Web Searches"
• Spotlight > Search Results tab > UNTICK "Allow Spotlight Suggestions in Spotlight and Look up"
• iCloud > if required, don't use cloud services and if an account is signed in, click the "Sign Out" button
• Network > optional DNS settings - for each required network port on the left:
• Select the network port on the left
• Click the "Advanced…" button the right
• Click the "DNS" tab
• Under 'DNS Servers' click the "+" button at the bottom
• If not already in the list, add the DNS servers "1.1.1.1" and "1.0.0.1"
• If necessary click and drag "1.1.1.1" and "1.0.0.1" to first and second in the list
• See Announcing 1.1.1.1: the fastest, privacy-first consumer DNS service for more information about DNS privacy
• Bluetooth > if 'Bluetooth' is On click "Turn Bluetooth Off"
• Sharing > if required, don't use sharing services and UNTICK all listed options on the left
• Dictation & Speech > set 'Dictation' to "Off"

OS X 10.10

• General > UNTICK "Allow Handoff between this Mac and your iCloud devices" (only Macs that support "Handoff")
• Mission Control > set 'Dashboard' to "Off"
• Security & Privacy >
• Firewall tab > if the 'Firewall' is Off click "Turn On Firewall"
• Privacy tab > click 'Location Services' on the left > either UNTICK "Enable Location Services" or set them as required
• Privacy tab > click 'Contacts' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to access your Contacts
• Privacy tab > click 'Calendars' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to access your Calendars
• Privacy tab > click 'Reminders' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to access your Reminders
• Privacy tab > click 'Accessibility' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to control your computer
NOTE: If you use Dropbox you may see Dropbox listed here - read more about this potential security and privacy issue here.
• Privacy tab > click 'Diagnostics & Usage' on the left > UNTICK all listed options on the right
• Spotlight > Search Results tab > in the 'Only selected categories will appear in Spotlight search results' list UNTICK "Bing Web Searches"
• Spotlight > Search Results tab > UNTICK "Allow Spotlight Suggestions in Look up"
• iCloud > if required, don't use cloud services and if an account is signed in, click the "Sign Out" button
• Network > optional DNS settings - for each required network port on the left:
• Select the network port on the left
• Click the "Advanced…" button the right
• Click the "DNS" tab
• Under 'DNS Servers' click the "+" button at the bottom
• If not already in the list, add the DNS servers "1.1.1.1" and "1.0.0.1"
• If necessary click and drag "1.1.1.1" and "1.0.0.1" to first and second in the list
• See Announcing 1.1.1.1: the fastest, privacy-first consumer DNS service for more information about DNS privacy
• Bluetooth > if 'Bluetooth' is On click "Turn Bluetooth Off"
• Sharing > if required, don't use sharing services and UNTICK all listed options on the left
• Dictation & Speech > set 'Dictation' to "Off"

OS X 10.9

• Security & Privacy >
• Firewall tab > if the 'Firewall' is Off click "Turn On Firewall"
• Privacy tab > click 'Location Services' on the left > either UNTICK "Enable Location Services" or set them as required
• Privacy tab > click 'Contacts' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to access your Contacts
• Privacy tab > click 'Calendars' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to access your Calendars
• Privacy tab > click 'Reminders' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to access your Reminders
• Privacy tab > click 'Accessibility' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to control your computer
NOTE: If you use Dropbox you may see Dropbox listed here - read more about this potential security and privacy issue here.
• Privacy tab > click 'Diagnostics & Usage' on the left > UNTICK all listed options on the right
• iCloud > if required, don't use cloud services and if an account is signed in, click the "Sign Out" button
• Network > optional DNS settings - for each required network port on the left:
• Select the network port on the left
• Click the "Advanced…" button the right
• Click the "DNS" tab
• Under 'DNS Servers' click the "+" button at the bottom
• If not already in the list, add the DNS servers "1.1.1.1" and "1.0.0.1"
• If necessary click and drag "1.1.1.1" and "1.0.0.1" to first and second in the list
• See Announcing 1.1.1.1: the fastest, privacy-first consumer DNS service for more information about DNS privacy
• Bluetooth > if 'Bluetooth' is On click "Turn Bluetooth Off"
• Sharing > if required, don't use sharing services and UNTICK all listed options on the left
• Dictation & Speech > set 'Dictation' to "Off"

OS X 10.8

• Security & Privacy >
• Firewall tab > if the 'Firewall' is Off click "Turn On Firewall"
• Privacy tab > click 'Location Services' on the left > either UNTICK "Enable Location Services" or set them as required
• Privacy tab > click 'Contacts' on the left > set which applications you want to be able to access your Contacts
• Privacy tab > click 'Diagnostics & Usage' on the left > UNTICK all listed options on the right
• iCloud > if required, don't use cloud services and if an account is signed in, click the "Sign Out" button
• Network > optional DNS settings - for each required network port on the left:
• Select the network port on the left
• Click the "Advanced…" button the right
• Click the "DNS" tab
• Under 'DNS Servers' click the "+" button at the bottom
• If not already in the list, add the DNS servers "1.1.1.1" and "1.0.0.1"
• If necessary click and drag "1.1.1.1" and "1.0.0.1" to first and second in the list
• See Announcing 1.1.1.1: the fastest, privacy-first consumer DNS service for more information about DNS privacy
• Bluetooth > if 'Bluetooth' is On click "Turn Bluetooth Off"
• Sharing > if required, don't use sharing services and UNTICK all listed options on the left
• Dictation & Speech > set 'Dictation' to "Off"

OS X 10.7

• Security & Privacy >
• Firewall tab > if the 'Firewall' is Off click "Turn On Firewall"
• Privacy tab > UNTICK "Send diagnostic & usage data to Apple"
• Privacy tab > either UNTICK "Enable Location Services" or set them as required
• iCloud > if required, don't use cloud services and if an account is signed in, click the "Sign Out" button
• Network > optional DNS settings - for each required network port on the left:
• Select the network port on the left
• Click the "Advanced…" button the right
• Click the "DNS" tab
• Under 'DNS Servers' click the "+" button at the bottom
• If not already in the list, add the DNS servers "1.1.1.1" and "1.0.0.1"
• If necessary click and drag "1.1.1.1" and "1.0.0.1" to first and second in the list
• See Announcing 1.1.1.1: the fastest, privacy-first consumer DNS service for more information about DNS privacy
• Bluetooth > if 'Bluetooth' is On click "Turn Bluetooth Off"
• Sharing > if required, don't use sharing services and UNTICK all listed options on the left

Mac OS X 10.6

• Security > Firewall tab > if the 'Firewall' is Off click "Turn On Firewall"
• MobileMe > no longer supported - don't login
• Network > optional DNS settings - for each required network port on the left:
• Select the network port on the left
• Click the "Advanced…" button the right
• Click the "DNS" tab
• Under 'DNS Servers' click the "+" button at the bottom
• If not already in the list, add the DNS servers "1.1.1.1" and "1.0.0.1"
• If necessary click and drag "1.1.1.1" and "1.0.0.1" to first and second in the list
• See Announcing 1.1.1.1: the fastest, privacy-first consumer DNS service for more information about DNS privacy
• Bluetooth > if 'Bluetooth' is On click "Turn Bluetooth Off"
• Sharing > if required, don't use sharing services and UNTICK all listed options on the left

All Versions Of macOS / OS X / Mac OS X

Apple ID Related Services

• Contacts / Address Book
• Calendars / iCal
• FaceTime
• iBooks
• iCloud
• iTunes
• Maps
• Messages / iChat
• Notes
• Photos/iPhoto

Privacy Advocating Search Engines

• DuckDuckGo
• Privado
• Startpage.com

Track/Stop Outgoing Network Connections

• LittleSnitch
• Radio Silence
• Hands Off!
• Security Growler

Secure Email

Large Corporations

• Apple - privacy statement
• Amazon - .com Privacy Notice
• Alphabet aka Google - take control but watch out, Google owns lots of things and are probably joining the dots across all their services:
• Google - the search engine
• YouTube
• Google Mail (Gmail)
• Google Maps
• Android (mobile operating system)
• Google Docs
• Blogger
• AdSense
• DeepMind
• Google Analytics
• Google Earth
• Google Fiber
• Google Glass
• Google+
• Hangouts
• Nest
• Google Photos / Picasa
• reCaptcha
• Google Shopping
• Google Translate
• Google Voice
• Google Wallet
Here's a great web page listing alternatives to Google's services.
• Facebook - Basic Privacy Settings & Tools but watch out, Facebook owns lots of things and are probably joining the dots across all their services:
• Instagram
• WhatsApp
• Oculus VR
• Lightbox.com
• Friend.ly
• Face.com
• Faciometrics
• Microsoft - Privacy at Microsoft but watch out, Microsoft owns lots of things and are probably joining the dots across all their services:
• Bing
• Skype
• LinkedIn
• Expedia
• TouchType, Ltd. (SwiftKey)
• LinkExchange
• Teleo
• Yammer
• Nokia

Social Media

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• Pinterest
• Google+
• LinkedIn

Cloud Services

Data Storage

• Apple iCloud
Backing up your iOS device to iCloud rather than locally via iTunes, means that some data that is normally inaccessible - such as end-to-end encrypted iMessages - will be accessible on Apple's servers via normal legal means
• Dropbox
• Google Drive
• Microsoft OneDrive

Data Synchronisation

• Apple iCloud
• Third-party web browser synchronisation services

Audio/Video Streaming

• Amazon Instant Video
• Amazon Prime
• Apple iTunes Store
• Apple Music
• Crackle
• Deezer
• Funny Or Die
• Google Play
• Groove Music
• Hulu
• Napster
• Netflix
• Pandora
• Playstation Vue
• Sirius XM
• Sling Orange
• Spotify
• Tidal
• Twitch
• Vevo
• YouTube Red
• YouTube

Cloud Based/Subscription Services

• Backups - MacWorld has a good article about backup services encryption offerings
• Password vaults
• Software subscriptions
• Amazon Prime
• Adobe Creative Cloud
• Microsoft Office 365

Adobe Flash

• Storage tab > under 'Local Storage Settings' set "Block all sites from storing information on this computer" and click the "Delete All…" button
• Camera and Mic tab > under 'Camera and Microphone Settings' set "Block all sites from using the camera and microphone"
• Updates tab > under 'Updates' set "Allow Adobe to install updates (recommended)"

Web Browsers

• Apple Safari
• Mozilla Firefox
• Chromium
• Google Chrome
• Microsoft Edge
• Opera
• Vivaldi
• Brave
• Yandex
• iCab
• Seamonkey
• Omniweb

Apple Safari

• [Private Browsing] Go to File menu > New Private Window [or press Command+Shift+N]
• Go to Safari menu > Preferences… > Search > set 'Search Engine' to "DuckDuckGo"
• Go to Safari menu > Preferences… > Search > UNTICK "Include search engine suggestions"
• Go to Safari menu > Preferences… > Search > UNTICK all items for "Smart Search Field:"
• Go to Safari menu > Preferences… > Privacy > set "Cookies and website data:" as required
• Go to Safari menu > Preferences… > Privacy > set "Website use of location services:" as required
• [Do Not Track] Go to Safari menu > Preferences… > Privacy > TICK "Website tracking: Ask websites not to track me"
• Go to Safari menu > Preferences… > Privacy > TICK "Prevent Cross-Site Tracking" - macOS 10.13 or later required
• (v10 or earlier) Go to Safari menu > Preferences… > Notifications > UNTICK "Allow websites to ask for permission to send push notifications"
• (v11 or later) Go to Safari menu > Preferences… > Websites > select Notifications on the left > UNTICK "Allow websites to ask for permission to send push notifications"

Google Chrome

• [Private Browsing] Go to File menu > New Incognito Window [or press Command+Shift+N]
• Go to Chrome menu > Preferences… > Search Engine > click "Manage search engines" > click "ADD" to the right of 'Other search engines' > enter the following details:
• Search engine = DuckDuckGo
• Keyword = duckduckgo.com
• URL with %s in place of query = https://duckduckgo.com/?q=%s
• Click "ADD"
• Under 'Other search engines' where your "DuckDuckGo" entry is now listed click on the three vertical dots icon to the right and select "Make default"
• Go to Chrome menu > Preferences… > click "Advanced ↓" > configure the settings under 'Privacy and Security' as required e.g.
  • Switch OFF "Use a prediction service to help complete searches and URLs typed in the address bar"
  • Switch OFF "Use a prediction service to load pages more quickly"
  • Switch OFF "Automatically send usage statistics and crash reports to Google"
  • [Do Not Track] Switch ON "Send a "Do Not Track" request with your browsing traffic
  • Switch OFF "Use a web service to help resolve spelling errors"

Chromium

• [Private Browsing] Go to File menu > New Incognito Window [or press Command+Shift+N]
• Go to Chromium menu > Preferences… > Search Engine > click "Manage search engines" > click "ADD" to the right of 'Other search engines' > enter the following details:
• Search engine = DuckDuckGo
• Keyword = duckduckgo.com
• URL with %s in place of query = https://duckduckgo.com/?q=%s
• Click "ADD"
• Under 'Other search engines' where your "DuckDuckGo" entry is now listed click on the three vertical dots icon to the right and select "Make default"
• Go to Chromium menu > Preferences… > click "Advanced ↓" > configure the settings under 'Privacy and Security' as required e.g.
  • Switch OFF "Use a prediction service to help complete searches and URLs typed in the address bar"
  • Switch OFF "Use a prediction service to load pages more quickly"
  • [Do Not Track] Switch ON "Send a "Do Not Track" request with your browsing traffic

Mozilla Firefox v59 or later

• [Private Browsing] Go to File menu > New Private Window [or press Command+Shift+P]
• Go to Firefox menu > Preferences… > click Search on the left > set 'Default Search Engine' to "DuckDuckGo"
• Go to Firefox menu > Preferences… > click Search on the left > UNTICK "Provide search suggestions"
• [Do Not Track] Go to Firefox menu > Preferences… > click Privacy & Security on the left > under the 'Tracking Protection' heading > set Tracking Protection to "Always"
• [Do Not Track] Go to Firefox menu > Preferences… > click Privacy & Security on the left > under the 'Tracking Protection' heading > set 'Send web sites a "Do Not Track" signal that you don't want to be tracked' to "Always"
• Go to Firefox menu > Preferences… > click Privacy & Security on the left > under the 'Permissions' heading > click "Settings…" and set accordingly for all options including 'Location', 'Camera', 'Microphone' and 'Notifications'
• Go to Firefox menu > Preferences… > click Privacy & Security on the left > under the 'Firefox Data Collection and Use' heading > UNTICK "Allow Firefox to send technical and interaction data to Mozilla" + "Allow Firefox to send crash reports to Mozilla"

Mozilla Firefox v56.0.2 or earlier

• [Private Browsing] Go to File menu > New Private Window [or press Command+Shift+N]
• Go to Firefox menu > Preferences… > Search > set 'Default Search Engine' to "DuckDuckGo"
• Go to Firefox menu > Preferences… > Search > UNTICK "Provide search suggestions"
• [Do Not Track] Go to Firefox menu > Preferences… > Privacy > TICK "Use Tracking Protection in Private Windows" + click "manage your Do Not Track settings" and TICK "Always apply Do Not Track"
• Go to Firefox menu > Preferences… > Advanced > Data Choices tab > UNTICK "Enable Firefox Health Report" + UNTICK "Allow Firefox to send backlogged crash reports on your behalf"

iCab

• [Private Browsing] Go to View menu > select "Private Mode" so that it is TICKED
• [Do Not Track] Go to iCab menu > Preferences… > Network icon > set 'Do-Not-Track' to "Opt-Out (User wishes not to be tracked)"
• Go to iCab menu > Preferences… > Network icon > set 'Send HTTP Referrer:' to "Never"
• Go to iCab menu > Preferences… > Cookies icon > set as required
• Go to iCab menu > Preferences… > Searches icon > set 'Search Suggestions' to "Off"

Omniweb

• TO BE CONFIRMED

Opera

• [Private Browsing] Go to File menu > New Private Window [or press Command+Shift+N]
• Go to Opera menu > Preferences… > TICK "Show advanced settings" (bottom left) > click "Basic" on the left > under 'Block ads' TICK "Block ads and surf the web up to three times faster"
• Go to Opera menu > Preferences… > TICK "Show advanced settings" (bottom left) > click "Basic" on the left > under 'Cookies' set as required
• Go to Opera menu > Preferences… > TICK "Show advanced settings" (bottom left) > click "Browser" on the left > under 'Search' set search engine to "DuckDuckGo"
• Go to Opera menu > Preferences… > TICK "Show advanced settings" (bottom left) > click "Browser" on the left > under 'Start page' UNTICK "Show Speed Dial suggestions"
• Go to Opera menu > Preferences… > TICK "Show advanced settings" (bottom left) > click "Websites" on the left > set 'Location' to "Do not allow any site to track my physical location"
• Go to Opera menu > Preferences… > TICK "Show advanced settings" (bottom left) > click "Websites" on the left > set 'Microphone' to "Do not allow sites to access my microphone"
• Go to Opera menu > Preferences… > TICK "Show advanced settings" (bottom left) > click "Websites" on the left > set 'Camera' to "Do not allow sites to access my camera"
• Go to Opera menu > Preferences… > TICK "Show advanced settings" (bottom left) > click "Privacy & Security" on the left > under 'Privacy' set as required e.g.
• UNTICK "Use a prediction service to help complete searches and URLs typed in the address bar"
• UNTICK "Help improve Opera by sending feature usage information"
• UNTICK "Automatically send crash reports to Opera"
• [Do Not Track] TICK "Send a 'do not track' request with your browsing traffic"
• UNTICK "Fetch images for suggested sources in News, based on history"
• Go to Opera menu > Preferences… > TICK "Show advanced settings" (bottom left) > click "Privacy & Security" on the left > TICK/TURN ON the "VPN" service if required - check the 'Terms of Service'

Seamonkey

• [Private Browsing] Go to File menu > New > Private Window [or press Command+Shift+B]
• Go to Seamonkey menu > Preferences… > select 'Browser > Internet Search' on the left > under 'Default Search Engine' set 'Search using' to "DuckDuckGo"
• [Do Not Track] Go to Seamonkey menu > Preferences… > select 'Privacy & Security' on the left > under 'User Tracking' TICK "Tell web sites that I do not want to be tracked" + TICK "Prevent tracking activities by known sites"
• Go to Seamonkey menu > Preferences… > select 'Privacy & Security' on the left > set 'Location Aware Browsing' to "Disable this feature and deny all requests"
• Go to Seamonkey menu > Preferences… > select 'Privacy & Security > Cookies' on the left > set as required
• Go to Seamonkey menu > Preferences… > select 'Advanced' on the left > under 'Crash Reporter' UNTICK "Submit crash reports"

Maxthon

• TO BE CONFIRMED

Yandex

• [Private Browsing] Go to File menu > New Incognito Window [or press Command+Shift+N]
• Go to Yandex menu > Preferences > Extensions tab > turn ON "Antishock" + "Flash content blocking" + "Adguard" as required
• Go to Yandex menu > Preferences > Settings tab > Appearance > UNTICK "Show Zen - your personal recommendations feed – in new open tabs"
• Go to Yandex menu > Preferences > Settings tab > Search > set to "DuckDuckGo"
• Go to Yandex menu > Preferences > Settings tab > Search > UNTICK "Show site preview next to Yandex search results in the same tab"
• Go to Yandex menu > Preferences > Settings tab > click "Show advanced settings" (at the bottom) > Privacy > click "Content settings" > set 'Cookies' as required
• Go to Yandex menu > Preferences > Settings tab > click "Show advanced settings" (at the bottom) > Privacy > UNTICK "Use search suggestions"
• Go to Yandex menu > Preferences > Settings tab > click "Show advanced settings" (at the bottom) > Privacy > UNTICK "Send usage statistics to Yandex"
• Go to Yandex menu > Preferences > Settings tab > click "Show advanced settings" (at the bottom) > Privacy > UNTICK "Send crash reports to Yandex"
• [Do Not Track] Go to Yandex menu > Preferences > Settings tab > click "Show advanced settings" (at the bottom) > Privacy > UNTICK "Send a 'Do Not Track' request with your browsing traffic"

Brave

• [Private Browsing] Go to File menu > New Private Tab [or press Command+Shift+P]
• Go to Brave menu > Preferences… > select 'General' on the left > set 'A new tab shows' to anything other than "Dashboard"
• Go to Brave menu > Preferences… > select 'Search' on the left > under 'Search Settings > Default' TICK "DuckDuckGo"
• Go to Brave menu > Preferences… > select 'Search' on the left > under 'Search Bar Options' turn OFF "Autocomplete search term as you type"
• Go to Brave menu > Preferences… > select 'Security' on the left > under 'Do Not Track' turn ON "Send a 'Do Not Track' header with browsing requests" (restart the browser if necessary)
• Go to Brave menu > Preferences… > select 'Shields' on the left > set 'Ad Control' to "Block Ads"
• Go to Brave menu > Preferences… > select 'Shields' on the left > set 'Cookie Control' as required
• Go to Brave menu > Preferences… > select 'Shields' on the left > turn ON "Fingerprinting Protection (may break some sites)"
• Go to Brave menu > Preferences… > select 'Advanced' on the left > turn OFF "Send anonymous crash reports to Brave" (restart the browser if necessary)
• Go to Brave menu > Preferences… > select 'Advanced' on the left > turn OFF "Automatically send usage statistics to Brave"

Vivaldi

• [Private Browsing] Go to File menu > New Private Window [or press Command+Shift+N]
• Go to Vivaldi menu > Preferences… > select 'Start Page' on the left > set 'SPEED DIAL' to "Never"
• Go to Vivaldi menu > Preferences… > select 'Tabs' on the left > set 'New Tab Page' to anything other than "Start Page"
• Go to Vivaldi menu > Preferences… > select 'Address Bar' on the left > under 'Address Auto-Complete' UNTICK "Enabled"
• Go to Vivaldi menu > Preferences… > select 'Search' on the left > under 'Search > Allow Search Suggestions' UNTICK "In Address Field" + UNTICK "In Search Field"
• Go to Vivaldi menu > Preferences… > select 'Search' on the left > under 'Search > Search Engines' set "DuckDuckGo" as the default (hover cursor over DuckDuckGo and click the tick icon that appears to the right)
• Go to Vivaldi menu > Preferences… > select 'Search' on the left > under 'Privacy' set as required e.g.
• Third Party Services > UNTICK "Search Suggestions in Address Field"
• Third Party Services > UNTICK "Search Suggestions in Search Field"
• [Do Not Track] Do Not Track > TICK "Ask Websites Not to Track Me"

tenFOUR Fox

• TO BE CONFIRMED

Listening / Voice Recognition Products

• Apple HomePod / Siri
• Amazon Echo (Show/Dot/Look/Tap/Fire TV) / Alexa - additional products using Alexa technology:
• Logitech
• GGMM
• GUESS
• Sonos
• Nucleus
• Martian Watches
• Jam
• DOSS
• Google Home / Assistant - additional products using Assistant:
• Sony LF-S50G Wireless Speaker
• Microsoft Cortana - discontinued on iOS/Android 31st March 2021
• Samsung Bixby
• Jasper (open source)
• (Smart) Televisions
• Vizio - FTC blog / Smart Interactivity
• LG - DoctorBeet's Blog
• Samsung
• Sony

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