Quick Resources — Module 2
Module 2: How Data Moves — The Ecosystem
Curated tools and resources for understanding and visualising the data ecosystem: tracker analysis, browser fingerprinting tests, and data broker opt-out tools.
Learning Material
1 pagesQuick Resources — Module 2: The Data Ecosystem
These tools and resources complement the lessons in Module 2. All are free and maintained by trusted organisations or open-source communities.
EFF Surveillance Self-Defense The Electronic Frontier Foundation's practical guide to protecting yourself from surveillance online. Covers threat modelling, app choices, and step-by-step privacy instructions for a general audience — no technical background required. 🔗 ssd.eff.org
Cover Your Tracks — EFF Browser Fingerprint Test Test how unique your browser fingerprint is. The tool analyses your browser's attributes and compares them to other visitors, showing whether you can be uniquely tracked without cookies. Run it before and after adjusting your browser settings to see what makes a difference. 🔗 coveryourtracks.eff.org
Exodus Privacy — Android Tracker Analysis A free, open-source tool that analyses Android apps and reveals which third-party trackers and permissions they contain. Useful for auditing apps on your phone before — or after — installing them. 🔗 exodus-privacy.eu.org
SimpleOptOut — Data Broker Opt-Out Directory A curated directory of data broker opt-out pages, organised to make the process as straightforward as possible. Covers major US brokers including Acxiom, Spokeo, and Whitepages. Opt-out processes are manual and per-broker — this tool consolidates the links. 🔗 SimpleOptOut.com
Mozilla Foundation — Firefox Privacy Notice An example of a clearly written, accessible privacy notice. Mozilla publishes plain-language explanations of what data Firefox collects, why, and how. Useful as a benchmark for what transparent data communication looks like. 🔗 mozilla.org/en-US/privacy/firefox/
Also relevant: The companion course Critical Thinking: The Foundations covers how AI-driven recommendation systems and persuasive design influence your decisions — a natural extension of the tracking infrastructure explored in this module.