Let's face it, there's data online about us everywhere. From our social media profiles to our online shopping habits, it seems like there's no escaping the collection of our personal information.
And while some of this data is necessary for certain services, such as online shopping with Amazon, it's important to know what information is being collected and how it's being used.
The good news is that you have some level of control over the data you're giving to Amazon. In fact, you can easily find out exactly what information Amazon has collected about you and take steps to manage it. This process is simpler than you might think and can be done in just a few steps. Here's how to find out everything Amazon knows you about.
What information does Amazon keep?
Within your Amazon account, the company would know your full name, address, payment information and email address. These are just basic details that you must provide so that you can continue to receive whatever items you order through the site.
However, Amazon collects a bit more than just your basic information. According to its privacy policy, the company collects data based on what information you willingly provide, the information that is gathered automatically, and from other sources such as third-party providers.
Woman on laptop sitting on the bed (Fox News)
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Information you willingly provide can include:
Information that is gathered automatically can include:
Information gathered from other sources can include:
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How can I see what Alexa knows about me?
There is a way for you to obtain a data report from Amazon within your account so that you can see just how much the company knows about you. Here's how to do it on your phone or laptop.
A man on a tablet (Fox News)
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What other ways can I take back my privacy in my Amazon account?
There are a ton of default settings that Amazon opts you into without you even realizing, so here are a few more tips for privacy settings on your Amazon account that you should change right now.
Opt out of Amazon's targeted ads
Opting out of Amazon's targeted ads will keep the items you buy on the site from creepily following you around the web. Here's how to do it.
Log in to your Amazon account
Go to the Advertising Preferences Page
On a desktop, you can find this by clicking the three horizontal lines in the upper left-hand corner > Your Account > Communication and content > Advertising Preferences
On a smartphone, you can find this by clicking the person icon at the top right > Your Account > Personalized content > Advertising preferences
Select Do not show me interest-based ads provided by Amazon and click Save Changes
Click Delete ad data to remove existing information from Amazon’s ad systems
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Limit Alexa data collection
If you use an Amazon Echo speaker or other Alexa device, you should go to Amazon’s Alexa privacy page and make these changes.
To find this page on your computer:
An elementary school student sits at a tablet computer typing. (Mohssen Assanimoghaddam/picture alliance via Getty Images)
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Minimize Amazon device data collection
For other Amazon devices you might own, such as a tablet or Kindle e-reader, you should disable all data from being collected as well. Follow these steps to do so.
Amazon site for shopping (Fox News)
Tap Your Account under the Help & Settings section
Make Your Amazon Profile Private
You probably had no idea that there is a public profile of you on Amazon available. To make this private, follow these quick steps.
In the Edit public profile area you can change your real name to something else less identifiable
Have you received your data report from Amazon yet? Let us know how thorough it was.
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